Y-Block versus Flathead in '50 Ford ragtop

I’m not normally this indecisive, but I’m struggling with whether to soup up the flathead in my ’50 Ford convertible (Fenton 2x2s, headers, ¾ cam, 4" merc, etc.) or whether to rebuild the ’57 Merc y-block I have and swap out the tired stock flathead. I have all the hard stuff to make the y-block swap (i.e. rams horns, Hurst mount, 3x2 intake, a rear sump truck pan, etc.). Has anyone done this swap recently?

I know its not an easy swap, but not that hard either. From what I gather, main problem is fabricating a center sump oil pan and putting a cup in the toe board to clear the starter. What scares me a bit is getting the 3 spd tranny or a 4 spd to fit with that large X member. Even with the stock set-up, it's a tight fit. They do make an adapter for a y-block to the stock '49-50 tranny, but I don't think it would live long behind a 312 with 3x2s and a mild cam.

I’ve always liked y-blocks and since the 312 rear main seal problem has supposedly been fixed with a new rubber seal, you should be able to keep oil in the motor with the new seals.

Any words of wisdom? Opinions?

 

If it's a 50 Ford,,,,,put a Caddy or an Olds in it and keep it real old school. Back when,,,all the 50 Fords have bad ass caddys or olds in them.

 

From what I can recall about doing this swap back in 1956, you've got most of the bases covered. I did it to a '51 Vicky so I wasn't faced with some of the "convertible specific" problems but as I remember the three speed transmissions did not change (exterally) from '51 to '56. The bell housing on the Y-block accepted the early transmission and when I blew it (missed shift) I replaced it with the later one. You will probably have to relocate the generator-it sits low oon the right side and in my case did not clear the front crossmember. We (my Dad and me) carved a scallop out of the crossmember and (he) formed and welded a heavy patch back in it. We also used stock side motor mounts (motor half) which sat on heavy angles bolted to the back side of the crossmember. More fun than a barrel of monkeys and would keep up with most S.B.C.s of the time.




quote=49coupe]I’m not normally this indecisive, but I’m struggling with whether to soup up the flathead in my ’50 Ford convertible (Fenton 2x2s, headers, ¾ cam, 4" merc, etc.) or whether to rebuild the ’57 Merc y-block I have and swap out the tired stock flathead. I have all the hard stuff to make the y-block swap (i.e. rams horns, Hurst mount, 3x2 intake, a rear sump truck pan, etc.). Has anyone done this swap recently?

I know its not an easy swap, but not that hard either. From what I gather, main problem is fabricating a center sump oil pan and putting a cup in the toe board to clear the starter. What scares me a bit is getting the 3 spd tranny or a 4 spd to fit with that large X member. Even with the stock set-up, it's a tight fit. They do make an adapter for a y-block to the stock '49-50 tranny, but I don't think it would live long behind a 312 with 3x2s and a mild cam.

I’ve always liked y-blocks and since the 312 rear main seal problem has supposedly been fixed with a new rubber seal, you should be able to keep oil in the motor with the new seals.

Any words of wisdom? Opinions?
[/quote]

 

Yeah Do the Y-Block it sounds like you were already going that way.

Put the flat head aside so you have an excuse for a fenderless older creation to work on next.

 

Don't listen to Jeff Keep the flatty. If it were a coupe or sedan I'd say go with the Y-block. But not a ragtop. I'm a bit biased though cause I have hopped up Merc flatty in my '50 ragtop and I love it. My '50 sedan has a 350/350 combo and that's OK as well. IMHO I like to see the older more original engines in the converts. Besides that there is nothing like hearing the sound of a hot flathead going through the gears with the top down.

 

Do the Y-Block and save the Flathead for another project. As mentioned, you have the swap details pretty well covered. As much as I love Flatties, it seems as if every '49-'54 Ford that I see is either powered by one or a SBC. I'd defintely go that route if I had a '49-'51 of any body style sitting here...

Jan

 

y block with a 4 speed

 

stick with the flatty, send me the intake, mounts and manifolds

the y-block would be cool, and yes back it with a T-10 or a T-5

 

I'd keep the flathead. But, if I wanted more power I'd go with a SBC or a SBF. The Y-block would be fine if you wanted to keep an original installation stock. But, if I'm going to the trouble of making an engine swap I'm going with a better engine with good parts availibility.

 

flathead are cool motors and if you were doing a open hood street rod i say go for it . and if you want power go sbc and keep the hood closed but something that wasn,t done that much but looks and sounds cool as hell you got go y-block

 

well i'll say flathead since im calling you back tonight about the y-block, this is the one in the old autos right? hahaha.....thats my biased opinion. i'll talk to you tonight, good to see youre a hamber

brent

 

Guys, thanks for the input.

 

The best advice in this thread has gone ignored..

 

Seriously, if you had to choose between flattie or y-block, in a shoebox.... despite how much I hate flatheads, I'd go with flathead. Yblock is def not a natural.... you hardly ever seen engine conversions that weren't pretty easy back then....

 

Y-Block and a 4 speed.

 

312 and a five speed. There is nothing wrong with a rope seal if it gets installed corectly, I have been using one for years with narry a drop of leakage. PM me for info on building a killer Y block.

 

fair enough but the question wasn't what old time V8 should I put in my ford

but yes I agree the caddy would be great.

 

I agree. If I had a 324/371 Olds or a 365 Cadillac motor and a y-block, I wouldn't even think about which motor to rebuild. The problem is finding a good rebuildable Olds or Caddy in my neck of the woods (Toronto, Ontario). The y-block's in my garage and it's paid for. Olds would be my first choice.

 

Y-Block. I just spent a ton souping up my flatty and despite its good looks, it is still a dog. I am yanking it in January.

 

One more vot for the Y-block. They have plenty of power and lots of torque. Mine was freaking crazy reliable up until it died from no oil to the top end. But hey it was 42 years old and never been rebuilt. They sound awsome through some headers and cherry bombs. And I think they look good too. Maybe not as good as a flatty but thats about all that engine has going for it.

Mike

 

Well my take is this.... Lots of `50 Fords have Flatheads. Those "shoebox" engine compartments are pretty deep and the Flattys as much as I love them can get lost down in there. A Y- Block which is taller will fill up that space and add some unique interest when you pop the hood. I don't think the swap is all that difficult though I've never done it myself. Frig the Caddys, Olds and sbc's, they been done to death. Keep that old Ford a thoroughbred. 'Sides if Ford would have been a bit better off after the war the Y-Block might have come in there from the factory. Also Y-blocks run and sound good and have that `50's look. Do it!

 

Olds isn't too bad a conversion, but the damn starter's in the way. move it to the right, and now your oil filter has to go. In respose to Floored... if Ford woulda been better off, they woulda came with Cad mills!

 

Go for the Y-block, i have a -50 coupe and its got a Y-block and 4-speed in it. Can't be much more satisfied

 

I'm glad this thread came back up. I'm on the Y- block side of this "tug-o-war". I think a Ford in a Ford is a pretty novel idea. Anyway it can be done, here's proof.

 

man that guy is never gonna get that engine in there like that.

thats a nice looking y-block too.

 

Go Y-block there are still alot of them around and the parts are there to make them run. Run good oil and change it often and you will not have any oiling problems. They look right when dressed up.