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By awca12a - 11 Years Ago
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So I purchased a '57 because I loved the look of the 2-door wagon body and didn't realize how far from stock the vehicle was.In trying to put it back to how it should be, it appears that I will have to source a new engine, transmission & rear-end for a "D" code 312. Other than the usual Ebay and Craigslist, where would you go to source this and how much should I budget for a working set-up? On the other hand, what I have is working fine and is from a 1965 Galaxy apparently. Since this is a y-block forum, can someone explain why you like the y-block so much and if you'd do the swap in my shoes. |
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By Daniel Jessup - 11 Years Ago
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First, if I was in your shoes, YES, I would do the swap - I think you will get that idea from most of us here. The good thing for you is that you can still drive the car and enjoy it while you source the parts. There are a good number of fellas on this site that can either provide you with good parts for a good price or steer you in the right direction... especially for a 1957 Ford. '57 was Ford's best performance year for the Y block as well.
I recommend that you do the following:
1. join a car club or find some folks in your area that own your make and model... would be good to locate some Y block people. Where are you located?
2. Purchase two quality books - look on ebay and purchase the Y Block book by James Eickman. It is not perfect but it is an excellent resource. The other book just simply go to Amazon. It is a BRAND NEW (and I mean most of us just got a copy last week) release by an author named Charlie Morris. In the book he gives a stock rebuild and then a performance build at the end. Loads of pictures and great information. Search "y block book" on this website to get the details and the reviews. There is a thread in this technical section about the book itself.
3. Stay plugged in to this website - you will not find a better group of friendly, knowledgeable people here that will help you with your Y block swap. They have been invaluable to me, that is for sure. Browse the previous threads to get info.
4. Keep this in mind... You need to know up front that the 312 was Ford's best y block out of the plant, and it is very desirable. It may be extremely difficult to find a good block that someone is willing to part with. 292's are vey plentiful. You may want to do what a lot of us have done - find a 312 crank and have the mains turned down to 292 size so that you can essentially have a 312 in a 292 block. Most all 292 blocks will bore out to standard 3.8 size of the 312 block cylinders.... check with a machinist to be sure.
5. Make a spec list of what you want behind the 312... this will affect cam choice and so on. Do you have a manual or automatic now? What about that rear end? 57 was Ford's first year for the 9 inch... you may elect just to swap out only the engine and transmission.
6. Consider the route you want to go... I do not know if you want stock or hi-performance, but the difference in price for your build or parts acquisition can be quite a bit. Most generic rodders and car enthusiasts stay away from the Y block because parts are not cheap and some parts just are not available. Just until a few years ago, the Y block had NEVER had an aftermarket head made for it.
7. Subscribe to the Y block magazine... there is a link and info on this website if you look under links.
As for Why? around here we say "Y not a Y block?" for Performance, Reliability, and Nostalgia, you cannot beat a Y block, hands down. Look at the 56-57 NASCAR record and see who won the most races... Y BLOCK powered vehicles. Ford used the 292 in their trucks up until 1964. In South America, Y blocks were used up until the early 70's (1974 was the last year I believe). You also can't beat the appearance of a Y block, and for the record, at car shows it has become very common for people just to throw in a small block chevy or a small block ford and be done with it. Almost cookie-cutter like.
We are a different breed - that is for sure. |
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By The Master Cylinder - 11 Years Ago
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awca12a (4/16/2014)[hr In trying to put it back to how it should be, it appears that I will have to source a new engine, transmission & rear-end for a "D" code 312.
Your car may have the original rear end still in it as it was a 9". Don't see any reason someone would change it out??What engine/ trans is in it now? Are you going to restore the car to original? If not and it has an Ford FE personally I would keep it. Altho I'm a BIG Y-Block fan I am also a fan of FE's (390, 406, 427… ) Being from a '65 it probably has a MX automatic. Depending on the condition I would consider upgrading to a C-6.
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By Meandean - 11 Years Ago
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I agree, if you have an FE engine (probably a 352 or 390) I would probably keep what you have. Though not available in 57 they were first offered in 58 and are a good fit for the 57 engine bay and a good reliable engine. If it's a small block (289 in 65) I'd probably change it out unless you are happy with the performance.
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By Joe 5bird7 - 11 Years Ago
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I have a 57 Tbird with the y block and I love it.....great engine. However, if I were in your position I'd be in no hurry to spend the bucks to change what you have. You can always keep your eyes open for a real deal on a 312 yblock and if you find the right deal make the change then if you still want to. The other Ford engines are also good-----I've had 289's, 302's, 352' s and 390's and loved them all. Enjoy your 57 Ford!
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By Ted - 11 Years Ago
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You didn't mention if you had a 352 or a 390 but either of those engines will pull that wagon around in fine style. If the wagon currently runs well, then I agree with the other comments in leaving the current setup as it is for the time being. This gives much more time to find that right deal for the parts you're looking for. Finding rebuildable 312's is getting more difficult as time goes along but they are out there. If you can find one in a donor car, then all the better as you'll be able to get all the smaller parts and linkages that will make the swap easier down the road. Another option besides an original 312 engine is to go with a 292 based build with a 312 crankshaft which gets you back to a combination that will be basically undetectable from the outside of the engine and still give you that 312 YBlock look and feel.
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By Beep - 11 Years Ago
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I have a complete (apart) 312 short block. It contains the block, crank, rods, pistons front cover cam and gears, water pump, oil pan and pump plus some other small stuff. I want $500.00 for it plus shipping or you can pick it up.
You could purchase a complete used 292 for the heads and all the bolt ons and assemble the 312.
Brian Perrenot" BPerrenot@hotmail or 281-687-1071
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By Beep - 11 Years Ago
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Lorena, Texas? I lived in Lorena for a short while a few years back. Interesting........
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By awca12a - 11 Years Ago
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According to NAPA, the engine codes of C1545A 6H22A point to a 292 or a 302 out of a 1965 Galaxy dressed as a Thunderbird. It works fine but it isn't correct and I'd like to put together a powerful engine (within reason) as part of the restoration. Decided the wagon should have a strong sound and available power which will never actually get used as it will be restored with stock components. The rear seems to be the original 9" and the 3-on the tree was moved down to the floor where it will stay. Putting in new springs/shocks rated for the 312 and plan for the interior to be restored to factory while the exterior will be non-stock colors.
The people at S&J Engines will sell me a re-manufactured engine less all the accessories, etc that I'll have to find somewhere. Have only restored an engine in the bay before.
https://www.sandjengines.com/rebuilt-engines/Search/FOR-312LB
Since I'm not mechanically inclined, its good that they will have done the hard part and that I can read and follow directions fairly well.
They are willing to insert whatever CAM I come-up with so with some research, I can get more than stock torque out of this.
Just how difficult will it be to put this together assuming I know a travelling mechanic who can help mate the engine to the flywheel when the time comes?
Got the engine hoist, stand, room and probably most of the tools and I'm in no hurry as the car has an engine already.
I know it would be easier to hire someone but that just misses the whole reason for doing this.
Any suggestions would be welcome
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By paul2748 - 11 Years Ago
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I wouldn't get hung up on a 312. A 292 with the right cam, "G" (57) heads, will provide plenty of power. Assuming it will need a clean up overbore, .030 will give you close to 300 cubic inches.
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By YBLOCKMERC - 11 Years Ago
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paul2748 (5/3/2014)
I wouldn't get hung up on a 312. A 292 with the right cam, "G" (57) heads, will provide plenty of power. Assuming it will need a clean up overbore, .030 will give you close to 300 cubic inches.
That's basically the combination I have in my '54 Merc and I'm very pleased. Mine is bored .060 over so I'm just north of 300 ci, with G heads, 1.54 rockers and a cam ground to the 245hp 312 specs. I'm running stock dual exhaust manifolds, a 460 cfm Holley and a C4 trans. The car cruises effortlessly with this combination and acceleration is instant and impressive. Sounds great too. I've had four barrel Mustangs and Cougars with 289, 351W and 390 engines and none of them felt better than my old Y-block Merc. It's a point of pride to me that this vintage engine is so satisfying, and reliable.
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By pegleg - 11 Years Ago
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Acawa, Talk to Ted, John Mummert, or Tim McMaster. Any of them will be happy to rebuild a 292 (easier to find) for you to whatever kind of an engine you desire.
Mummert has stroker kits that will allow you up to 340 ci. whatever you do, go to a souce familiar with Y blocks, not every one can build one correctly, or is interested in the engine. These guys all are.
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By Daniel Jessup - 11 Years Ago
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Frank, that's good preachin' !
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By lyonroad - 11 Years Ago
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I would get confirmation from S&J as to what heads will be on your engine if you go that route and the heads matter to you. I've heard stories of engines coming from rebuilders with mismatched heads.
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By yalincoln - 11 Years Ago
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do you have a pic. and where are you located?
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By PF Arcand - 11 Years Ago
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Further on hunting down a 312 Block. If you locate one, do not buy it unless you can inspect the bottom end closely, before hand!. Due to a mistake in main cap torque specs, published in 1956, many 312 blocks were cracked or the threads were stripped! Also, some were damaged by heavy handed mechanics going beyond recommended torque specs during rebuilds. Buyer beware!! If you do succeed in finding a good block, do not allow the assembler to use the original 1956 manual's main cap torque specs!! I believe the current accepted "max torque" on 312 main caps is 90-95 lbs.
PS.- there's a 312 block advertised in this sites classifieds about 11 days ago..
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