Hi Guys ive got a rust free 56 vicky i bought in 2015 from a guy in Henderson Texas.Im a the engine stage now .Should i rebuild the Y block or go the 5.0 route. Originallity is not Important Thanks
If originality is unimportant, the 302/5.0 is a ideal choice. I opted for the 5.o and 5 speed transmission from a mustang, it fit like a glove & I am well pleased with the performance and gas mileage. HRP
Welp, you know what I am going to say But I dig the nostalgia side of things. You will certainly spend less cash overall if you go the SBF route and these days the parts and information to swap are better than ever. I dig the look and the sound of a Y Block for sure. If you show up at a car show or a cruise in with a Y Block under the hood you will be in the minority that's for sure.
Yep, just depends on what you like. I am somewhat a stickler for y-blocks in these old Ford’s, but can’t blame a guy for taking the lower cost and easier to get parts route.
While I love the Y-Block, the 56 still had the 3 bolt 2bbl or the hightop 4bbl and vacuum distributor. (The standard Holley pattern carburetors and centrifugal advance distributor didn't show up till 57) Since originality is not a preference it would probably be more cost effective to locate a running 5.0 and transmission package as its a pretty simple swap and would get you rolling quicker and with better gas mileage. James
Nice setup detail. Can I ask the source of the intake and why CARTERS? How did you plumb the CCV fresh air inlet to the rear ACL? I like that heat source for the choke. To me, I would prefer the Y, but getting quality parts is beginning to hurt. But I also understand a later drive-line if just a driver.
Not a '56, and not a 5.0, but 4.6 dohc new school was my choice 15 years ago, and never regretted that decision. I'm curious where the carbureted 5.0's are coming from? I always ***umed a fuel injected engine was a 5.0 with a computer and a carbureted one was a 302.....two different families. To me there is a distinction.....maybe not with you guys?
Mine was originally a F.I. 5.0 but I didn't like the look and also didn't want to mess with the harness and sensors so I swapped in an earlier 4bbl carbed intake and air cleaner. The parts store kid knows it as a 1987 5.0 so it is easier to just call it that instead of a 302.
Just FYI - The 302 was renamed 5.0L (and saw many updates) for the 1982 model run. There were three versions over the years, including the STD, HO and LT versions. The first 5.0L's were carbed.
The intake is an Eddy with all name casting removed. Small base WCFB’s are a natural and easier to tune with a centrifugal distributor. Carters we’re on some 56 Mercury’s. I drilled a hole in the adapter air cleaner base for a plastic 90* fitting. EMPI air filters fit the adapter rings from Charlie Price’s Vintage Speed. The tops are from a kitchen supply store near me. This is an old photo I normally have a 56 NASCAR mandated air cleaner for the 260 hp performance package available at the dealership parts counter. Law enforcement used them in a few states in 56. 103 were manufactured for Ford. The proper numbered Holley carbs and the Ford dual quad intake are very hard to find. They are not like 57 F-code.
View attachment 5555481 THANX! for the comeback. I have one question ... Where are the secondary diaphragms on the carbs? I did not know the CARTER WCFB came with mechanical secondaries. Nice and clean setup.
My vote is keep the y block. I like the nostalgia and for me the 5.0 swap is getting as mundane as the small block chev.
To that point, this is my sons daily driver ‘59 Edsel with a ‘57 312. A buddy of mine found the engine on craigslist and someone pulled it out of a ‘57 wagon. Bought the engine carb to pan, transmission, A/C compressor and under dash unit, etc. for $500 and just cleaned it up and painted. Runs like a champ. We did replace the worn out original 292 with it. I would say that rebuilding a y-block can be expensive. I’m fixing to find that out shortly since that ‘57 312 was supposed to go in my ‘56. So, now, I will be rebuilding a ‘56 312 likely this winter for my car.
Yes, if you can obtain a running Y-Block in good shape that would be a good option. Most I have seen recently are overpriced. You definitely got a good deal on a running 312 for $500. Are you using the 56 heads on the rebuild, or ECZ-G heads? James
I sold my running 272 with Fordamatic for $600 and installed a 300hp 302 with AOD and have not regretted it. I like driving long distances and I like being able to buy parts almost anywhere. I understand the desire for keeping the Y block but it just does not suit me.
Thanks. The 53 Olds had mechanical secondaries with no weights as did the Cadillac and no secondary squirters/accelerator pump as you can see with the small air cleaner photo. This is a guess but it might have been because both used a hydramatic with a very low first gear so they didn’t bog when floored from a stop. I usually only open all 8 barrels when on an open highway. I’m not a light too light guy at all. I’m 78 and grew out of that long ago. The car has a 62 Cruise-O-Matic and a 2.74 rear gear so there’s no point in jumping on it at a green light. On a clear road a true 100 mph is easy even with higher rear gear I installed. I have 2 Lincoln and Mercury WCFB’s and both have a vacuum can like the 56 Holley. I understand they are and we’re a PITA. The carbs are Carter WCFB 2080S I believe.
I DID NOT KNOW THAT, THANX! I am only familiar with the 2361S as used on MERC. I have heard that also.
I prefer originality as well, BUT depends on what you want to do with the car. If it is weekend driver, vacation everynow and again type car the Y would be fine. If it is going to be an everyday driver then either would be fine. You will just lose out on MPG and parts prices with a Y. SBF are everywhere so parts prices are cheap and a rebuild should be about 3-5K all said and done. While a Y block is going to tack on a bit more do to not many people rebuilding them as much anymore. Just my two cents worth. Mike
Personally I went with a 351W/C4, it doubled the HP and lost over 200lbs off the front end, moving the CG back improving handling and performance! It is like a different car! An added plus is any engine part is as close as the nearest auto store, the Yblock ? Usually a special order , get it in 2 or 3 days, I drove the Yblock for 30 years, I kept it but I don’t see myself ever putting it back in
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