Projects FlatHead or Y Block?

I'm building a car with my dad, 1929 Model A. And I was wondering, should I use a Flathead, or a Y Block? My dad has a 59AB (I think) flathead in his '34, that should run with some work, or a Y Block out of a '56 F100, it would need a total rebuild.

 

It doesn't take a lot of HP to make a small car feel like it's a spaceship. I have never had a Y block, damn handsome motor tricked out. Flatheads are just plain gorgeous, true Americana. Tough choice, either will make a great hotrod. Pick one, I'll take the leftovers.

 

Y block is quite a bit larger...more figgerin to install

 

Both are great choices. I like Y-blocks cause they are cheaper, make more power, more plentiful, have good aftermarket support and they sound great. A flathead will fit better though.

 

Personally I would do everything to get the flathead going.

 

I see most people say flathead, so I will go with the flathead.

 

The y-block was a 272 in '56 F100's with 173 horse at 4400 and 260 ft-lb at 2400. So a stone stock rebuild will make more power than a flathead with a lot of goodies added.

Don't get me wrong I love flatheads, but if I had both and faced the same choice I would 100% go y-block with a 4 barrel and small cam.

 

Personally I’d be looking at getting the 34 ???? on the road if it’s got an engine that “ would probably run “ and in the meantime rebuild the yblock. The yblock and the flathead use the same firing order, which sounds amazing in my opinion. The yblock is easily capable of much more hp than the flatty

 

Y block for sure. Way more HP and torque, better transmission choices, and very dependable.

 

Somethings to think about-

What era/style are you going for?

How many miles on the flathead?
Personally, I don't trust used engines, a used engine is like a pig at a poke or more like a hand grenade with the pin pulled!

Which one do you have a bigger stockpile of parts for?

What are your fab skills?

 

The '34 was my grandpa's, and my dad said I ain't getting it till he dies (I'm 13 so a hot minute)

 

A lot more parts for the flathead for sure, not a lot of miles on it either, going for a 50's-60's hot rod look.

 

The thing about more power is the fact that it's a stock frame, so I'm more worried about it destroying the frame.

 

You would need to strengthen the frame no matter which engine you choose
they both sound and look good

 

You'll have fun with either one.

 

Don’t use what the “consensus” says, use what you want to use.
What would you be more comfortable with, tune ups, etc.

 

Yep either one would be cool, I like both. The best answer is both, use which ever engine tickles yer hot rod bone the most, then find another car for the left over engine. BTW I love to spend other people’s money. Good luck and have fun, keep us posted.
Dan

 

I’m a y block guy. Stock, supercharged, 11.25 compression, aluminum heads, most combinations you’d think of. Most parts you can name. The y block is about 100lbs heavier unless you step up to the bar for all the aluminum items and headers. The 56 (if it’s stock)is going to need a carb and a 57 distributor unless you can live with the loadomatic. Most of the trucks had a front cross over single exhaust, so you’re looking for exhaust manifolds (the early ones are available and cheap). The trucks used a front mount/bellhousing mount, and the bell won’t generally won’t adapt to a car transmission, so you’re looking for a bellhousing

But the weight is just going to add to the boxing problem on the frame, and make an A even more nose heavy. Been done many times, but even to me a flathead that’s useable sounds like a better starting point.

I’ve got a Yblock in my 32, so I’ve dealt with some of this and a 32 is a little bigger.

 

I’m going to go hide so you guys can’t find me, but I say 283 or 327. There. I said it. Let the shooting begin.

 

Y block in the 56 should be a rear sump, thats normally a consideration in an early ford for oil pan clearance. It depends on era of the build, 40s build would have a flathead, 50s build would have a y block. Since it sounds like youll end up with the 34 someday, use the y block, do a 50s build. Its a cheaper engine to build and buy parts for than a flathead plus if you rob the flathead then someday youll need another one for the 34! Instead of going full rebuild, do the garage refresh on the y block, take it apart and see whats goin on, not a lot of ring land? Dont bore it, just hone it, new rings, new cam bearings (top end oiling issues arise from old cam bearings) check things out, clean it up and put it back together, y blocks are one of my all time favorite engines, great sound, great look, multi carb intakes are available or just a plain old 2 or 4 barrel, there are y block rebuild books available with step by step help. Good luck! Wish you were close by, I have 7 or 8 spare y blocks sitting around! Dont worry so much about weight and frame reinforcement. Its not a huge engine and unless youre gonna REALLY build it, it doesnt make crazy power. All will be just fine

 

If that 34 was your grandfather’s, then get it running in honor of him. What would you do with the 34 if you pulled the flathead to go into the A. I know, lots to think about (another A/V8 or a OHV V8 A. What does your dad think about the 34 and tearing it down to build the A?

 

I put a ‘56 312 Y-Block in my ‘32. I have a recessed firewall, and with that being said only have an inch or two wiggle room front to back. You can make the Y-Block work with some ingenuity. I had fun building mine, and chose this engine because I didn’t know anything about building a flathead. But like the others had said, either one will be super cool in your hot rod.

 

There’s always “that” guy.

 

That’s Me.

 

Maybe nobody’s explained the rules around here but we’re going to have to see some pics and soon of the 29 and the 34 and any other neat stuff you got

 

Flathead for sure!

 

I've always wanted to do a y block a. Those engines can be done up to look killer

 

I'd leave the 34 alone and concentrate on getting the model A ready for more power and all the little things. I say this because you mention being young. No slight on that , but most don't have the funds to get things done at a quick pace. That means having things apart a lot longer. This affects older people too. It's also more common for older people to have a place to store it and more experience with frustration and not getting things accomplished at the pace you'd want. So get it cleaned up, get the brakes and suspension sorted, look at boxing, and have a plan on wiring before the big motivator, the engine. It sucks, I've been there, but reality is I've got 3 projects I'm not working on older than you.

 

Lol. Y Block, why? Because it has the distributor in the back and has valve covers like a SBC.

 

You have time.

I recommend the Banger. (The Model A 4cylinder)
It’s simple.
It fits
It can be found
It can be pepped up

You get to fix and truly know the car. There’s lots of lessons you can lear by just fixing up the A model and playing with that 4 cylinder.

Both the flathead and Y block have drawbacks.
The Y block has a poor selection of transmissions that’s model A compatible.
The Y block is big and heavy, it’s overbuilt.
I like y blocks but only in Y block vehicles.

Flathead you have a little more support but ....stay stock. The speed stuff can get pricy quick and honestly is a waste of money in a model A. A stock flathead in a Model A Ford is a hot rod.

I think you need to stick with the Model A 4 cylinder.
Keep it simple.

At your age I would get all the Model A books I could starting with the Shop Manuals.