The 272 V8 in my 55 Fairlane is apparently shot. (I am not a mechanic, so bear with me.) A friend (auto mechanic instructor) took it apart and it has bent valves, bent push rods, little compression...the list goes on. He estimates $3,000 to $4,000 to rebuild including machining work. That seems crazy. Is it? Should I just sell the carc***? I'm looking for a replacement motor and was told a 292 would drop in. Any opinons appreciated. Side note. To my fellow vets, thank you for your service and sacrifice for this great country. 11-11-11.
Rebuilding a Y block is not a cheap proceedure. Seems to me that someone on here had a rebuilt one for sale, but not sure who.
Y-Block parts prices tend to be insane so I would not be surprised about a 3K or more figure,a late model 302/5.0 and AOD is an EZ swap in your '55 and you can buy the parts over the counter to do it,also if you need parts for a 302 you can find them anywhere you won't for a Y-Block.Or you could check this out: http://martinsburg.craigslist.org/pts/2666273304.html or http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/pts/2668364324.html
Thanks JeffB2. I will check on that craigslist ad for the 292. At least it's in WV. My mechanic indicated that dropping in a late model engine would be over the limit for his students abilities and his willingness to help.
Bore the 272 to 3.75" and you have a 292. I've done a few Y block rebuilds and it's not that insane. Timing sets, cam, rod and main bearings, pistons, rings, camshafts, oil pumps are reasonable and available still through Sealed Power, Melling, etc. Sounds like you either skipped some teeth on your timing chain or someone did a bad valve lash adjustment. Why not rebuild the heads and see what happens? If the short block proves bad, the fresh heads could be used on the rebuild or a replacement short block anyway. By the way, $3000+ for a properly machined, quality parts, ***embled properly, modified where needed engine, especially a Y-block, is not bad at all.
Wv,maybe your mechanic needs to stop by here for an education about installing engines for instance this is also available in your area:http://morgantown.craigslist.org/pts/2635699007.html the 1989-90 302(aka 5.0) is actually preferred for this engine swap and here's why the transmission is the best years for the AOD 1988-93 this is an overdrive for better cruising mileage it will mount right to your existing transmission crossmember using the factory mount about $10 the AOD is also non-computer and only requires a TV cable.The 1985 and later 5.0 /302 is a roller cam engine which is a good thing too.There are pictures here in the archives of the install of the 302/5.0 also if you go to the search box here in the upper right put the word "sticky" in it and it will take you to a complete list of the parts and part numbers to do the swap.As far as the fuel injection goes there are options since we tend to be "traditional" here at the HAMB we would probably replace it with a conventional manifold and carburetor simple and EZ to do,as the intakes from 1964 and up Small block Fords 260,289,302 interchange.With the combination of the 302 and overdrive you will see more power and at least 4-5 more MPG than the Y-block can deliver.
I have a really good 292 for sale. It is used, but I have video of it running. PM sent to WVgunner. I am in Winchester, VA.
Though as mentioned a late model engine will drop in relatively easy it won't be as easy as retaining the original engine family. A late model engine gets lost in the 55 engine bay. Cleveland's fill it better but are probably as hard to find as a Y block these days. Stick with the Y block. You don't have to change or fabricate anything and all your original stuff will lot straight on. A 57 up B intake manifold with a 465 Holley and 59 distributor will light up your life. If you haven't got factory dual exhaust do this at the same time. This setup will improve your fuel economy also. Besides which there is nothing like the sound of a y block. Regards
You guys have no idea how much you are encouraging me with your comments and ideas! Because my friend/mechanic is doing this as a favor, I'm trying to stick with a Y block for ease of replacement. I may have found a 292 if I can verify it will literally drop straight in and everything match up (motor mount, radiator, wiring) Are the two engines physically identical? Thanks again!!
Identical. Pull one out, put one in. Probably half the Fords and Mercs out there that originally came with 239, 256 and 272 engines are running 292 and 312 engines. Very common swap in the day.
Fantastic! You guys are very encouraging. Thanks for the help! I got ripped off and scammed so I parked everything but now have some excitement again.
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