I heard thru one of the posts that SBC headers will fit a Y-block. I happen to have a good quality set off of a Jeep/******* with a SBC in it that I just never thought to try to bolt up to my 56's Y-block.
Eye ballin it it looks hopefully but something like this close just won't cut it.

 

I wouldn't imagine it being a direct bolt on application. Its probably one of those deals where the tube spacing is close enough and you are supposed to cut the SBC flange off and use a "Y" block flange.

My 500ci Caddy is that way, BBC headers are danged close and its fairly common for people to use take BBC headers, cut the flange off, and the reweld them with a Caddy flange (Caddy headers are hard to come by)

Bobby

 

I heard they have a Tinny Sound.

 

I'll end up just buyin a set im sure but just wondering if someone allready" been there done that"

 

I have heard this one before also. Been meaning to ck it out. I have three 350's in my shop for this years race car, and the y-blocks are out back. I will try to take some measurements and post them. I remember looking at the situation once before and thinking "Can it really tbe that easy?" Eyeballing does look encourageing. Stand by.

 

Keep an eye on the sparkplugs and distances, a guy recently posted about using them on the y-block's forever site and he said he trouble clearing the sparkplugs....

 

56f600 keep us posted if this will work. I have 2 more yblocks that need exhaust--and I am cheap.....and chevy headers are cheap.......Bill

 

 

Ok boys. It ain't gonna work. At least not as a direct bolt on. The following are measurements taken from my dead 272 y-block and last years dead 350 SBC. Yes, I use them up!

Y-Block
7 Bolt holes
18" outside bolt hole to outside bolt hole
2 3/4 bolt spacing spanning each port
3 3/8 bolt spacing between outer ports and center ports

SBC
6 Bolt holes
17 1/2 outside bolt hole to outside bolt hole
2 1/4 bolt spacing spanning each port
4 1/2 bolt spacing between outer ports and center ports

I believe we can call this myth "busted"

 

I think the concept is that the tube spacing is similar enough that a new flange would allow them to work. MoPar small blacks look about the same, too?

 

I was thinkin they might just bolt on. so obviously I missed the obvious

 

I have not done this yet but here is what I know, If you cut the flange in the center and spread the headder to accomadate the center y block bolt they are VERY close. I have talked to people who have done it. Another option is to buy flanges for a y block and weld the chev headers to the y block flange.

I'd try the spread option as it may be a cheap way to go.

Kevin Bigwin

 

I am lucky if I can get engine specific headers not to leak let alone fabricating something that is not supposed to fit. That's just me though, more power to you inovators.
Speaking of cheap parts, I was looking in an old performance parts catelog the other day and the Ford stuff (flathead and y-block) was at the bottom of the price range instead of Chevy, no date but judging by the parts available it was just prior to when the SBC really took hold and the y was emerging (mid fifties?).

 

This is interesting, keep us posted Kevin .