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.

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.

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

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.

I think the BEST Y-Block book is the one that John Mummert is going to come out with (hint hint).

Bud in Northern Arizona on route 66 in Winslow (standin' on the corner)

If you're American, buy American

631/2 Galaxie 500XL 406   55 T-Bird

Jeez Bud, John's been dangling his book in front of us for ~10 years... No offense John.

BOB

I understand he doesn't want to knock Glenn Beck off the New York Times best seller list. Just being nice to him!!

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

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.

Larry D

Winnipeg, MB Canada Eh!


'57 Fairlane 500 Club Victoria

'58 Custom 300 Tudor

'56 Crown Victoria

'61 Starliner Z Code

'51 Ford Victoria

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..

Paul

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!!

But I can't take my computer into the Bathroom

BOB