I have started on 56 Fairlane that I am ready to start looking at engine options. I am wanting a good street driver and had been looking at the Performance Package from John Mummert's as a good start and then put in a C4 transmission. Looking at the costs, it appears that I could almost buy an ATK 302 crate engine for the same price by the time I buy the transmission conversion kit, etc. I am looking for some pro's and con's of both. I like the look of the 292 in the car and to give it that retro look but putting a 302 would appear to make the rebuild quicker, easier and about the same costs. Thoughts?
The 292 will have more torque to move that car down the road,I have a 351 in my 55 and it seems like the original 272 had more torque then the 351 but the nimrod who built my motor put he wrong cam in it. 302s do ok in those cars but could stand a little more motor,I am getting the parts to put a 292 in my 55 and will use the 351 for my galaxie that presently has a 302.
How about a introduction? HRP follow the link. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18
My 56 mainline has a 289 and an aod ..... if it had a y-block it wouldn't be for sale. I like small block fords.... but they are not a y-block. If it were me, I go with the 292
Go with the Y-Block, put 1.84 - 1.60 valves in it and clean up the ports. Run a tight squish, the Y270S cam. Better yet call John Mummert, he doesn't do heads since he released his aluminum but he might know where to find a prepped set. A nice 280 - 300 HP 292 will be much better for resale and nostalgia sake.
Check out the pictures here:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=25705 This member has available the adapters to give your SBF the Y-Block look.I have a 302 and AOD in my '54 as do many of the members here:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=332 we can guide you through the swap process and save you some $$ doing it.
You could compare the cost of building the Y-Block to this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-302-32...Parts_Accessories&hash=item258168586d&vxp=mtr It comes with the front sump pan needed for your swap,and free shipping the company has been in business 40+ years in Phoenix.
I'll vote for neither..... While both motors have their good points, a far better choice IMO would be a 351W. No more difficult to install than a 302, with more torque and lighter than the Y-block. You can run a milder motor compared to a 302 and still have better torque than both. I dropped a stone-stock 351W/2V/FMX into a 56 Club Sedan I used to own when the Y-block self-destructed (a rebuildable core was going to cost more than the whole donor 72 LTD) and never looked back. Way more power, better mileage, cheaper parts, and easier to work on. While I'm a die-hard Ford guy, I'll never own another Y-block....
Go for the Y Block! It's right for the car and they sound incredible. Oh, if you're going for a newer trans... Get an AOD.
Gotta agree on the 351W recommendation. A mild 408 stroker will make over 500 hp and over 500 ft-lbs with just 10:1 compression without breaking a sweat.
I like the 392; about $400 for the crank, stock 351 rods, and off-t******lf 302 pistons. Make nearly the same power as the bigger versions for less money... But even a mild 351 will make as much power as a fairly radical 302 with far better torque.
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