just aquired a 54 ford 239 c.i. over head valve with 3 speed trans. looks very much like 272 c.i. ford . can the engine parts be inter-changed [ heads . intake etc. ] thanks dent
Yes they will, but, when using a 272, 292, 0r 312 intake, you may have a hard time gettin it to seal because the 239 ports are a lot smaller. FWIW, Iwould start with a 292 and go from there, as it will fall right in. You don't really need that front steady bracket.
I am sure that, although some later Y-block parts will interchange, there are lots of subtle differences between the early 239ci and the 272, 292, 312, etc., that can cause problems. There are some really good Y-block websites out there (re-built computer so sorry I don't have links to hand).
There were two different 239 OHV engines in '54, one has good interchangability with the later Y blocks, and the other doesn't. The weirdo has different size camshaft journals and a 14 tooth distributor gear.
Heathen has it right, although I've only ever heard of one version of the 239, the goofy one... Sure you're not thinking of the short-lived 256? The 239 also has a crossdrilled cam I think. I rebuilt one a few years ago, cool little v8, wish I kept it... I switched out the oil pump innards, shaft, and pressed the goofy gear onto an early 60's dizzy with a real advance setup. Ran nice on the stand.
The 239 was used in 1954 Ford cars and 54-55 Ford F-100's the 256 was also the Ford Police Intercepter in 1954 and was used in '54 Mercs also almost everything will interchange between these two engines.I moderate the 1952-56 Ford social group here on the HAMB, if I were you I would post the 239 for sale on the main board here or Fordbarn.com or 1954ford.com as the restorers want these.The most practical Y-block to build would be the 292 as they were around until 1962 and parts are much easier to find,some guys prefer the 312 but nobody has ever come up with a rear main seal for them that won't leak at least a little.
From experiance the 292 - 272 distributors are different in the fact that one has 13 teeth on the cam gear and one has 14 teeth - Had a heck of a time trying to figure out why it would only run for a second or two - Jaxx
Also check out the Y Block Social Group on the HAMB. Lots of sources and links listed there, plenty of folks who will help you out. The motor you have can be tricky. Make sure which one you've got first. There is a source on the group page for casting numbers, etc.
The Jalopy Journal
