What years did Ford use the Y-block?

Ford’s Use of the Y-Block Engine
Ford used the Y-block engine from 1954 to 1964 in their cars and trucks. The Y-block engine was introduced in 1954 as a replacement for the side-valved Ford Flathead engine. The first Y-block engine was the 239 cubic inch (3.9 L) Ford engine, which was rated at 130 horsepower. In 1955, Ford introduced the 272 cubic inch (4.5 L) version of the Y-block engine, which became the standard engine for most Ford cars. The Y-block engine was also used in Mercury vehicles, with the first version being the 256 cubic inch (4.2 L) engine.
The Y-block engine was known for its deep-skirted cylinder block design, which extended down past the crankshaft centerline. This design provided rigidity and improved performance compared to the previous Flathead engine. The Y-block engine underwent some improvements over the years, but its horsepower ratings did not increase significantly, and it remained as a two-barrel “entry engine”.
In 1962, the Y-block engine was replaced by the Ford FE engine in medium-sized cars and the Ford Windsor engine in small cars. However, the Y-block engine continued to be used in Ford trucks until 1964.
Please note that the Y-block engine used in Lincoln vehicles was a different and larger engine introduced in 1952.
Maintenance and Compatibility
Y-block owners have reported that the solid lifters used in these engines require more maintenance compared to the hydraulic lifters used in other engines. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Y-block crank can be used in other engines, such as the 289 and 302 Windsor engines, as well as the 351W and 400 engines with the help of a good shop.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

How do you identify a Ford Y-block?

There will be a smooth area on the outer diameter with a raised dot in the center. If the engine is disassembled, the rods and crankshaft will also carry the letters ECZ and the main bearing journals will measure 2.625 inches (all other Y-block mains are 2.498 inches). Ford’s Y-blocks are rugged engines.

Was the Ford 292 a good engine?

The 292 is a reliable engine with lots of low end torque. Y-blocks have shaft mounted rockers and lifter bushings. In my limited experience with the y-block, the rocker shafts tend to be worn out. I’ve never looked into whether or not they have top-end oiling issues (per the wiped out rockers).

What Ford engines last the longest?

Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.

Is the Ford Y-Block a good engine?

Otherwise, the Y-Block proved to be a rugged and reliable engine, and while it was replaced by the Windsor V8 for passenger car use in 1962, it continued as a mainstay in the Ford truck line for several more years.

How much horsepower does a Ford Y-Block have?

Ford introduced the first of the Y-block engines in 1954 on Ford cars and trucks. The engine displaced 239 cubic inches and made 139 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque. This represented a 25% improvement over the standard flathead from the previous year.

How can you tell a 292 from a 312?

“EDB casting on engine block in most cases will be 292 C.I. engine, however some were 312 C.I.” “Flywheel end flange on a 312 crank shaft, half moon cut out opposite the machined area with round dot is the only sure way to identify a 312 crank shaft. Casting numbers on the block is reliable about 95% of the time.”

What is Ford’s strongest engine?

Ford hand-build the Predator engine specifically for the Shelby GT500 in 2020. It became Ford’s most powerful production engine, with an output of 760 ponies and 625 lb-ft of torque.

What are the best Y-block heads?

The most desirable Y-block heads for increased compression are the 1957 through early 1958 ECZ-G castings with intake valves sized at 1.927 inches, according to Mummert. Combustion chamber size is approximately 69cc. For slightly lower compression for today’s pump gas is the 1958-1959 5752-113 casting.

When did Ford stop using the Y block?

1964
The engine is well known and named for its deep skirting, which causes the engine block to resemble a Y. It was introduced in 1954 as a more modern replacement for the outdated side-valved Ford Flathead V8 and was used in a variety of Ford vehicles through 1964.

How much horsepower does a 292 Y block have?

The Mercury division had two versions of the 292 available in 1955. The standard engine had a 7.6:1 compression ratio and was rated at 188 bhp (140 kW) at 4,400 rpm, with 272 lb·ft (369 Nm) of torque at 2,500 rpm.