Kevin is right. A thorough rebuild under $2000 is basically impossible. That is why when guys ask about a company that says they will provide a rebuilt longblock for $1500 I say no way.

 

I am unsure the yblock is worth the money -especially now......and do not forget---I was in machine shop business for 20 yrs....and could call in some favors and do all 4 of these yblocks --but I do not do that kind of thing.
A good 223 will be a good choice....I really like the 223 in my 53.....I do not race my trucks....I haul with them and show off on the back roads..haha
I raced muscle cars...but those days are hopefully not over for me.I hope I can get back into a few muscle cars more in the future....but my trucks are not race-cars.
Bill

 

Walford,

Your idea and my idea of a "rebuild" must be different. If you are looking for rod bearings and main bearings and a re ring job , then maybe someone will do that for $500.

some of a parts list in the carpenter book
oil pump $130.00
pistons $100.00
rings $40.00
Rod brg $40.00
main brg $75.00
timing set$115.00 (for a good set)

There is $500.00 in parts for the block and nothing for the heads, no gasket kit, no machine work, bore the block, turn the crank, deck the block, then head work, machine the heads, hardened seats, new valves as needed still put you way up there.

Then machine the mating surface of the exhaust manifolds $25.00 each.

Then machine the flywheel $50.00 so now you can have the assembly balanced. Oh yea the balancer is probably shot. Repops are $255.00

Better get a new clutch, pressure plate. throw out brg, and pilot brg.$250-$300

Cam and lifters another $300.00

Distributor bushings or a complete replacement from zone say $75.00

Carb rebuild, kits are cheap, but if you are paying someone labor go ahead and replace.

Water pumps are still avail thru napa $75.00

New fuel pump zone $30.00


I figure with labor and machine and parts, $3000.00

Kevin Bigwin

 

Not In my lifetime....haha!!
I can use my money for other things.....but nice summary of a engine build.
When I was 20 yrs. old--I would and DID build engines and spend that kind of money....and did ALL the machine work at my shop....although the setup time was not worth it.......and a used GOOD engine is ok with me.....3000 bucks---I can buy a whole truck!! hahahaha!!!
Bill

 

The above has nothing to do with racing a Y block, 4 speed (andrew) has $2,800 in his long block. Its just what it costs. I forgot cam bearings @ $80.00 and any valve/rocker/shaft parts needed as I'm sure it will need something up top.

Kevin Bigwin

 

Bill, I thought you had like three or four different Y powered trucks/cars? You may have to rethink owning all that Y powered iron, if not committed in some way to rejuvenating the engine(s) as needed. Yeah different engines can be swapped in, and the 223 is a good motor. Dont know for sure but rebuilding a 223 could be expensive too, 75% of a Y cost. A 54-60 Ford car or truck with SBF or worse a SBC just isnt very interesting. And the run of the mill SBF isnt any better performance wise than the Y. Rebuilds can be undertaken to make the Y more fuel efficient if HP isnt the objective, and can provide a challenge similar to seeking more HP.

 

A "good" Y block engine is getting hard to find. Foe example the "good " engine in your F600 has oiling problems, The "good" engine in my F600 has oiling problems. These problems wont remidy themselves and some major work needs to be done to "FIX' properly.

I myself do not want to work over a nicely painted fender on junk.

223's have their problems as well. Look these engines are 50 years old and all need work, if nothing else they need seals, then an oil pump, then a water pump, then a fuel pump,THEN you wish you would have pulled it and fixed it right the first time.

Kevin Bigwin

 

Kevin
a rebuild and an overhaul and a clean-up are terms we use to talk about engines and I am not interested in blowing 3-4k on a yblock rebuild --especially when guys are selling whole trucks for that price.
I know you are very good at what you do. You get a high on this stuff. I did when I was younger and healthier.
You can most likely tell me off the top of your head ALL the yblock tolerances and clearances and what head to use and what it takes to build a top-notch yblock.......as stated before .....you need to start a business and quit working on these trucks as a hobby.....and go for it.
I know the time is bad...but guys will always want a hot rod. AND YOU CAN TAKE IT SLOW--and not go hog wild like I have seen in others.
I know you have the talent.....and the head for business...how many 53-56 ford yblock guys are there out there in Ohio are there? You can make a good living if you want.
Bill

 

Bill,
OK you buy a whole truck for $3000 with a running Y. OR, you buy athe same truck for $6000 with a $3000 Y block that will give numerious years of trouble free enjoyment.

Its just like that guy Fastfew tried to sell his truck with the SBC and couldnt get $7000 for it.It was a nice looking truck. If it had a fresh Y it would have sold for maybe $10,000.

4speed has the 59 he bought the yellow and white one, it now has an oil leak rear main, next will be the water pump, next VALVE SEALS for sure! ETC.

Kevin bigwin

 

I used to spend that kind of dough on engines. But/not now!! I spend my money on property and homes and cheap trucks, haha!! I do not drive ENOUGH these 50 yr old trucks that much to warrant spending that kind of dough....and I drive mine more than most.
Bill

 

There are THREE y block guys in OHIO, me andrew and YOU! I do my own. 4 speed does his own. and you, well........ are tighter than skin on a grape! so it looks like I'd be out of business! Just kidding!

Kevin Bigwin

 

Kevin-
I have had fresh new engines give me trouble also......if it has wheels or t..s--it will give you trouble!!
Andrew is young and a very promising kid---if his truck breaks down----he WILL fix it.
I --on the other hand---will have a guy fix it for me---cannot do it anymore.
A 223...or 272...does not matter---as long as it goes down the road.
I think fastfew was in a bind and cannot see the fact that most guys like to see a ford in a ford. I like a chevy in a chevy...and so on.
A fresh yblock in his truck would be cool.....but 3000 bucks for a fresh build yblock---you will have to drive it alot to be feasible.....at least to me.
I love my old 53-56 ford trucks....but I also have just lost nearly 50k in the investments I have......anyone gonna cry for me? NO I am not blowing 3-4k on a truck engine that is for fun.....not now!! How much have you lost? ANY investments? Bill

 

Lost about 45% of my investments, Im young and I'm still buying. You know, buy low sell high. Hopefully it will make it high again.

Kevin Bigwin

 

There are more yblock guys out there/especially around here.
I think you need to start a business plan -that in a few yrs. --you can expedite this plan and fullfill your dream.....a YBLOCK HEAVEN in COPLEY ,Ohio....Mummert makes a livin....mid-50s does it in Arizona.
Chuck's Trucks makes a livin......Good Samaritan Yblock Preservation Inc......sounds real good!!!
Bill

 

I am now--since my illness--have become a realist about my trucks. I do what I can --when I can!!
I have done alot and now cannot...sounds funny!! haha
I am amazed at motor-heads that have the ability and yet cannot dream enough to full-fill their wildest dreams and work(play) at a company that will create jobs and needs for consumers.
I have a few guys I inspired to start machine shops and other companies and they do VERY well...even now!!
I am not in the game any more....just a bystander....but need engine work done enough to keep my dreams running.
Not spending a ton of money and not getting a divorce are high on my list right now. I also want to drive my 53/56 f100s and my F5-600s.....but will have to use (used) engines! Bill