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By Metal Ghost - 15 Years Ago
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High everyone. Would really appreciate your collective insight here. I'm looking for a good Y-Block 'How To' book. What do you guys think is the best one? I already own "Ford Y-Block: How to Repair and Rebuild the 1954-62 Ford OHV V-8" by James Eickman. I'm reading it now and really like it. However my issue is with the printing. It's a new edition and it basically looks as if it was photocopied, literally, from an older edition. So the pictures are completely unviewable. Motorbooks International did a horrible job. I can't find an old edition (which I assume would have pictures you can actually see??) so I'm hoping that there are other books out there as well.
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By Doug T - 15 Years Ago
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In my estimation the best Y block book for general rebuilding of the engine and car is the '57 shop manual. The '56 manual is also useful although there are slight differences. I think they are available on CD or DVD. Eickman's book has a few errors and one picture is upside down. But it is interesting and you might find a better copy on Amazon. For specific info on performance you are better off consulting some of the real Guru's and maybe trying to buy at least something from them. There are several Guru's in different parts of the country, the west coast, Texas and the mid west are particularly well populated with them.
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By Metal Ghost - 15 Years Ago
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I agree on the shop manual....I've got the '55 manual. I like the 'how to' type of book, personally, to compliment the manual. Really, the book I referenced would be great if it wasn't for the very poor quality pictures. That's why I'm hoping there's another book out there.
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By Fordy Guy - 15 Years Ago
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I think the BEST Y-Block book is the one that John Mummert is going to come out with (hint hint).
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By Bob's 55 - 15 Years Ago
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Jeez Bud, John's been dangling his book in front of us for ~10 years ... No offense John.
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By pegleg - 15 Years Ago
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I understand he doesn't want to knock Glenn Beck off the New York Times best seller list. Just being nice to him!!
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By Larry D - 15 Years Ago
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With everything currently on John's plate we could all have a beard down to our knees before we see his book in print. But really, the Y-Block book is a good starter with a few errors and we have to remember it was written well over 30 years ago. Today, through Y-Block magazine and this website we have so much information at our fingertips, I think this is where everyone should be coming to find out what works and what doesn't. I know I still like to read real books, but until something better comes out in print, this is where the correct information base resides.
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By PF Arcand - 15 Years Ago
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MG: unfortunately there isn't another complete book on the Y-Block engine, other than Eickman's. As mentioned, the book contains a couple of errors & the photo of installing the Timing chain is upside down. Also the recommendation to drill holes in the valley is very controversial. Personally, I would not do it. So, where can you get other reliable info. 1st; get a 57 or later shop manual. Then there are many people on this site that will go out of there way to be helpful. Next, you might want to consider a subscription to Y-Block Magazine @ PO. Box 1005, Ottawa IL 61350. The U.S.A. rate is $25.50/ yr., 6 issues. Only good until Oct 1st -2010, when the rate goes up $5.00. And for specifics of engine assembly etc. Go to John Mummert's site- http://ford-y-block.com Good luck with your engine work..
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By Metal Ghost - 15 Years Ago
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Hey guys, I appreciate all the feedback. I've definitely been, and will continue to be, a regular here. So when my dumb questions start pouring in, don't say you didn't ask for it!! 
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By Bob's 55 - 15 Years Ago
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Larry D (9/14/2010)
Today, through Y-Block magazine and this website we have so much information at our fingertips, I think this is where everyone should be coming to find out what works and what doesn't.
But I can't take my computer into the Bathroom
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By Larry D - 15 Years Ago
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Bob's 55 (9/15/2010)
Larry D (9/14/2010)
Today, through Y-Block magazine and this website we have so much information at our fingertips, I think this is where everyone should be coming to find out what works and what doesn't.But I can't take my computer into the Bathroom Bob, Get a Blackberry. They make a great bathroom reader.
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By John Mummert - 15 Years Ago
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Wow! Tough crowd!!! Okay, so do you want aluminum heads or a book? I know. You want both.
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By Ol'ford nut - 15 Years Ago
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Maybe both, book with each set of heads.
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By Bob's 55 - 15 Years Ago
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Larry D (9/15/2010)
[quote][b] Bob, Get a Blackberry. They make a great bathroom reader.
Larry, you must have way better eyes than I do, I can't even focus on a Blackberry much less the screen.
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By Metal Ghost - 15 Years Ago
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John Mummert (9/15/2010)
Wow! Tough crowd!!! Okay, so do you want aluminum heads or a book? I know. You want both. You're a smart man John!!  I think I'm on your site at least once a week to create my 'wish list' for next year (hopefully next year). Those heads are definitely towards to top, along with the 'cruise night special'! Completely off topic, get a load of this: Tonight I'll be changing my oil on my daily driver for the 1st time....a Ford Fusion with a 2.3L I4. Anyway, just got the oil and filter from Advance Auto. He puts the filter up on the counter and I'm thinking "gee, that box looks awful small". Apparently this engine uses a cartridge set-up. The counter guy says that VW is moving towards cartridges too. When did this happen?!?! Gosh, I guess I'm going to forget changing my pretty 'ol '55 over to a canister. She's downright modern now!!! 
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By rick55 - 15 Years Ago
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Also the recommendation to drill holes in the valley is very controversial.
I have had the Eichmann book for close on 20 years and did indeed drill the valley as he suggests in the book. The reasons he stated were pretty valid (I thought at the time) - The lifters only get get splash fed from the sump and piston squirt holes.
The engine has been going strong for over 15 years with absolutely no problems. 292, .040 oversize bore, .010 oversize crank, warm cam, about 270 adv. duration and pretty extensive head work coupled to a 3 speed toploader. It was only recently replaced as I wanted a fresher and less fumey engine.
I do change the oil every six months, regardless of mileage.
Back in the day when I bought Y Block book, the only manual available here in OZ was a pretty nasty and basic aftermarket workshop manual put out by Gregorys. (This was long out of print at the time but was able to picked up at markets and boot sales used and generally very grubby)
With the internet though it is now much easier to get hold of manuals on disc from several US sources which make the Y Book book less valuable. I do still however, think the book makes great reading and has good information when the computer is not to hand.
Regards
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By PF Arcand - 15 Years Ago
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Another source comes to mind that was very valuable, but you need to find it used as they are long out of print. That's the "Y-Notta a Y- Block" build series by Doc Fromader in Street Rodder magazine, 10 issues, in 1999. This is the best magazine series of articles ever put out on the Y-Block by any magazine. Well worth finding. A more difficult series to find, but with almost the identical information, was printed in Classic Truck Magazine in 2001-2.
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By rick55 - 15 Years Ago
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Another source comes to mind that was very valuable, but you need to find it used as they are long out of print. That's the "Y-Notta a Y- Block" build series by Doc Fromader in Street Rodder magazine, 10 issues, in 1999. This is the best magazine series of articles ever put out on the Y-Block by any magazine. Well worth finding. A more difficult series to find, but with almost the identical information, was printed in Classic Truck Magazine in 2001-2.
The articles that Doc Frohmader wrote are available to be read and purchased at http://www.webrodder.com/
They are free to read on the computer.
As Paul says they make great reading.
This site has as much info or more than any others plus a lot of personal experience that you can't get in a book.
Regards
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