Y-Block (more than just an engine)


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By Hutz 292 - 14 Years Ago
Hello everyone I recently overhauled a 292 y-block in my 62 F100 4X4 and just wanted to share a little thought that lead me to it.  When I was in high school it was time to find something for me to drive back and forth to school from the farm.  Dad had inherited my grandpas 62 F100 4X4.  By the time I got it the truck had been through my dad and aunts driving it for years.  It was a cattle truck, feed truck, fencing truck and any other duty the farm required.  Once I got the truck it was for the most part pretty tires.  We had installed the top oilers to the rack and when you stopped at gas stations you would normally fill the oil and check the gas.  So we installed a  302 with a C4 and different transfer case.  Over the next few years I had multiple different engine setups in the truck until about 6 years ago I rolled the truck and was not much left of it.  Just about when I had decided to start fixing it I found another 62 F100 4X4 that was all original with a 292 in it.  I gave him $2,000 for the truck and started driving it immediately.  Just this last summer I could not help but notice that the engine was getting really weak.  At first I had thoughts of just putting a different engine in it.  Mostly because my only experince with a y-block was with one that was completely worn out.  So I did a little research and found a quote that someone had made (building a y-block is like building nastalgia).  So I did some more research and found a place to get parts (John Mummert Y-Block) and started tearing it down.  I ended up getting a little crazy with the overhaul but now I completely understand that quote.  This makes me so excited everyday just to start it up.  When it runs it just sounds like its want so bad to fire that next compression stroke.  Like it's trying soo hard not to just take off.  We put on a fuel injection system and this engine runs like nothing I have ever built.  I love telling people that I have a y-block in my pickup and seeing slight confused look on their face like, whats a y-block.  Ever since building this engine I just look for reasons to share the experience with someone.  I understand what that quote meant by "nastalgia".  I live in ND and the weather is terrible and has been all winter.  I cannot wait for the summer time to get this monster of a motor out and about.  I have completely fell in love with there engines.  My next project is a 59 F100 2 wheel drive short box.  Originally I had planned on putting a 390 out of a police interceptor sitting out at me dads farm.  I am now considering a 57 312 that my friend has in his garage.  I don't mean to sound to sappy but anyone who appriciates this story will understand.  Thank you for your time and I would love to read and comments on this story.

Robi 

By speedpro56 - 14 Years Ago
I'm glad you saw the light!!! I am restoring my first car I bought back in 1965 ( a 1956 black and white crown victoria ). Original P code with a 312 of which I later replaced with a 390 after wearing out the old yblock. Missed the 312 so much that it now has a blueprinted 312 poked and stroked back in it and it's staying. Since I've grown up, got alittle smarter I realize there are no substitutes for these yblocks, there GREAt little engines which sound wonderful as well. Good luck with yours.
By Hollow Head - 14 Years Ago
Great love affair! Hang on with Y-blocks! What kind of an fuel injection set up you ended up with?  
By Hutz 292 - 14 Years Ago
I installed a Holley Commander 950 TBI.  750 cfm.  My engine runs like it never has the throttle response is incredible.  It is cold here right now and all I have to do reach in the window and start it and it runs perfect.  Smash it to the floor and it sits against the rev limiter and purs.
By texasmark1 - 14 Years Ago
great story...

I bought a 57 Fairlane almost 20 years ago just because I remembered one from my childhood.  stumbled onto this forum quite a while back and have come to appreciate... no, love the Y block engine!  272 in mine and love its sound as well!!

Mark