Rebuild Engine Vs. Buy Long Block
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Joined: Sep 2020
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Rebuild Engine Vs. Buy Long Block
I have a 292 Y-block that runs, but very poorly. Compression is low all around and one cylinder is not firing. I have been looking for a long block to replace it with but there doesn't seem to be any good options for sale online. I found one for about $3,000 plus my core returned to them.
In your experience, should I have an expert rebuild my current engine or keeping looking for a replacement long block? Thanks!
In your experience, should I have an expert rebuild my current engine or keeping looking for a replacement long block? Thanks!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 118
Partly depends on whether you have an engine builder in your area who is good with vintage engines and understands the minor nuances of the Y-block. Also consider if you want to upgrade to a 312. As far as buying a long block, you’re still taking a leap of faith as to how the build was done. You should have a Classic Thunderbird club (55-57) in your area, and I would contact them to see what advice they can offer. The little T-birds all had Y-blocks and the members of the Thunderbird Club should be experienced with those engines. Check the CTCI website....
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Y Blocks are a little bit off the beaten path compared to say, a SBC. Unless the shop is familiar with them I'd be wary. I'd look at maybe contacting Tim McMasters out in Cali and he can build up a core for you. Shipping costs loom large. But you'll have to eat all that up, and more if you try to locate a rebuildable core on your end and round up parts.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 373
Agree with Tedster in that 292's are off the beaten path. If you plan to keep the engine and want to put some worry free miles on it then it's worth taking time to find someone willing and able to do it right. They're out there...just have to look. The world is smaller than it used to be...everything is shipped everywhere.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
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From: Warsaw
There are a few shops out there that specialize in the restoration of '55-'57 baby birds. Check with them to see who does engines for them. If your not trying to stay original an E or F code 312 would move a slick sixty down the road with athority.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Lacey
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
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From: Warsaw
That would be a courts-martial offence punishable by keel hauling.
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From: Seattle
292 is a cool engine. If you swap to an FE or Windsor (even more so) you'd probably change from front/rear engine mounts to a side-to-side mounting arrangement between the frame rails. I suppose you could hunt up the similar front/rear mounts for an FE but I don't think they even made them for a Windsor ever. The FE parts are pretty rare so side-by-side mounting would be less hunting required. Tough call if you aren't worried about original at all.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I get why people don't want to mess with a Y Block, they had their share of idiosyncrasies or whatever, and parts are sometimes more difficult to find, or expensive. It's also true new engine mounts and bell housing is required, a little fabricatin' if ditching the Y.
I'd first want to know a little more about the OP skill level before condemning the engine, however. A dead cylinder can have more than one cause, not necessarily always a show stopper. It certainly isn't a good sign but it's most definitely worth verifying why. Low compression isn't always necessarily caused by worn out piston rings or cylinder bore. He's doing the right tests and checkouts, but sometimes the interpretation is complicated.
It's possible at least, the engine just needs a thorough Tune-Up and will give many more years good service. Possible.
I'd first want to know a little more about the OP skill level before condemning the engine, however. A dead cylinder can have more than one cause, not necessarily always a show stopper. It certainly isn't a good sign but it's most definitely worth verifying why. Low compression isn't always necessarily caused by worn out piston rings or cylinder bore. He's doing the right tests and checkouts, but sometimes the interpretation is complicated.
It's possible at least, the engine just needs a thorough Tune-Up and will give many more years good service. Possible.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Warsaw
If your only issue is low compression, no excess blowby, mechanical noises, low oil pressure or excess oil consumption, try a valve job. This is something that will have to be done anyway with a complete overhaul and can be done with the engine still in the truck. Make sure hardened valve seats are installed.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I wouldn't even necessarily worry too about hardened valve seats. Most of the problem of valve recession is tied to heavy hauling & or high speeds. I'd be more worried about a machine shop &@$king it up, it isn't rocket science but it does need to be done with some level of skill.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
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I owned an auto repair shop for 20 years and replaced a crap load of engines, regardless of my personal advise a lot of people bought Long blocks or complete motors online. Almost all of them were disappointing experiences. the only online bought remans that ever went in smoothly and stayed gone were done by Jasper, but they were expensive and that was awhile ago, I couldn't recommend them anymore, things have changed a lot since I had my shop.
Personally I have always had my own, and any engine that I made the decision on rebuilt at my local machine shop. I have had 100% success with him. And I can trust him 100%. Just a couple of years ago I bought my CJ7 with a 258, first thing I noticed was really poor oil pressure, so I went to visit Dave at Mid Cape Machine to see when he wanted to do it for me and he told me, don't waste my time, the 258's all have poor oil pressure and last forever. I think I've been driving it for 4-5 years now and it still has ****ty oil pressure and still runs smooth as silk.
Ask around and find a local guy you think you can trust. You have no idea who is working on your engine in a chain rebuilders shop, or where they are buying their parts from.
Personally I have always had my own, and any engine that I made the decision on rebuilt at my local machine shop. I have had 100% success with him. And I can trust him 100%. Just a couple of years ago I bought my CJ7 with a 258, first thing I noticed was really poor oil pressure, so I went to visit Dave at Mid Cape Machine to see when he wanted to do it for me and he told me, don't waste my time, the 258's all have poor oil pressure and last forever. I think I've been driving it for 4-5 years now and it still has ****ty oil pressure and still runs smooth as silk.
Ask around and find a local guy you think you can trust. You have no idea who is working on your engine in a chain rebuilders shop, or where they are buying their parts from.
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