Just want some thoughts to help me choose a powerplant for my 26 RPU. As you can see in my build thread it's going to be a fenderless roadster pickup with a 29 shell. So, what's your opinion. I already have a complete 302 and C4 which I can use. Or I can get my hands on a 292 Y block, as I have a friend with several totally complete 292s. I can have one for $500. Pros and cons of sticking with the 302 ? Pros and cons for going with the 292 ? <!-- / message -->
4X...A Ford in a Ford is always a good choice...It comes down to the money...you already have the 302, but the "Y" blocks seem to really be coming on strong, after years of relative obscurity.
Y-block is a very cool motor,would how would and did go with in my own rod from 1959 to 1965,but cost a lot more to build then sbc, if it needs needs rebuild,so if your $500 Ymotor runs and don't smoke,that's the one for sure,but clean totally,check all push rods and springs/rockers
You cant beat the Y for $500! I just paid $300 for engine and trans out of a low mile runner. Engine looked great, red paint on V covers and aircleaner are perfect. I will clean it up some, replace the trans pan gasket, repaint it and install it with the factory aircleaner and all. Friend suggested to put those rubber stoppers on the valve stems for leakage. He used them on higher mile SBC for years. One of those easy fixes. I do like a 302, nothing wrong with them especially since you have one ready to go. But thats a decent price for a Y. Use the 302 on your next project.
I loved my 302 I had in my sedan. Though it lacked greatly on cool factor, it started every time I hit the switch. That being said my coupe that I am working on at the moment is going to get a Y-Block.
Obviously swimming against the current here, but I'd use the 302 -- you already own it, and it'll be easier to find parts in the future. Probably at least as fast and it'll handle better, too.
y-block 100% cool best sound sbf good motor looks on cool factor low and you know what the SAY SURE FORD MADE A MOTOR AFTER THE Y-BLOCK BUT WHO GRIVES A SHIT
I am putting a Y Block in my 27. I had a 302 that ran, but I sold it a long time ago. Its better to see a 302 in it than a 350 Chevy. Its all in your budget, but vintage mills sure look better.
I'm currently rebuilding a Y block right now and I couldn't be more excited. I've also rebuilt a 302, but it didn't even compare to the fun I'm having with this motor. It's just like rodding a car. It's not about the perfect motor, it's about the perfect vintage motor! And there are still tons of parts to be found at good prices too!
You can make more zot for less cash with the 302. But the Y block is a better looking engine. I am partial to Y blocks myself. I started out racing with Y blocks. But you can make more zot for less with the 302. So I guess its about cool or cooler. 292s are good motors. Tough lower ends.
I don't know where you'd find one, but how about possibly the best a both worlds....an Argentinian "Fase 2" 292....basically a 292 Y-block with 302-style heads on it? Mart3406 =============================================
If you ever saw a Y block with trips and detailed early stock valve covers with the emblems painted up...you would not be able to sleep at night if you went with a modern motor..
Both are good choices, ford in ford, but the kool choice is the Y-Block. But don't forget you only have to make "you" happy! Enjoy!!!
This is why I'm going with the Y-Block. Should look great with the original ram horns I have on the shelf. Y is just a neat looking motor and sounds great too.
Either choice is a good one . Both are great engines . I have a 55 Ford with a Y block and is dependable and they have that special sound like the flatheads do . One the other have the 302 is a lot easier to get parts for if you break down . I am changing my Y block in for a 302 but have already sold the Y block to someone that is going to install it into a roadster to sell . He also bought my 292 with "G" heads and Isky cam and some other goodies that he wants for a hotrod he is building . Yes the Y blocks new home is going to another HAMBer that you all know . You will just have to wait and see what he will be putting the Y block into ! It's going to be an awesome hotrod ! In the end , both are great FORD engines ! Just be happy with your choice ! Retro Jim
Not a bad idea but almost impossable to find in the US, and in my opinion you loose the Y mystique if you get rid of the stacked intake ports. That all being said, I like the Y-Block! but it is your car so do what you like. The Y sounds a lot better though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0NvpedlXFk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etd2A7ixSDs
I am with 50fourd 302.Best motor ford made.The Y is pretty and I know I am going to catch allot of crap but my opinion thats all they are pretty,and sound good every one I have had any dealings with were crap bad lubrication and wont hold up if you thump it hard.The 302 will get you there and back and will take a thashing.The 302 289 is with out a doubt fords best designed motors for dependabilty.
my frist choice has been sbc,s for a long time but i,ve always had a soft spot for the y-block that,s why i,m putting a new one back in my 58 ford they have a sound all by it self with glass packs or steel packs and with t-brid valve covers tri-power i think next to a flathead it,s best looking motor ford ever made open the hood of any 50,s ford with a y-block and people who are grear heads will smile they may be ford, chevy,mopar,and yes the wish ihad a hemi guy,s but they all smile when they see and hear a y-block put a sbf in it and you just joined the boreing sbf,sbc,and 360 mopar guy,swho just cry which small block is better my 2 cents is their all same just chioce so move up to the few the cool the y-block ford poeple just my 2 cents
The Jalopy Journal
