Motor replacement...What do you guys think?

I have a tired 272 Y-block in my 55 Ford Customline and have been pondering motor replacement. The 272 still runs fairly well and I plan on running in untill I need to replace it. But in the meantime I am thinking of buying a block and and slowly buying parts and pieces to build it for a future swap. What mill would you guys reccomend keeping in mind cost and performance. I would like to have some more power than the Y-block puts out. What would you guys put together in my situation?
Thanks,
Mike

 

Post pics of the car so we know what direction you're going. Stock, rod, etc.

 

Here it is as it sits now...in the middle of body work.

 

I'm a dyedinthewool bowtie guy, but IMHO, you need to find a nice 390 that will clean up with a little work and jam that bad boy in there. Lots of torque, impressive valve covers, (that's more importent than you might think) and won't cost like a house. Mike

 

292/312, Little compression bump, mild cam, detailed painted nice, 3x2 if possible, otherwise 57 intake w/matching 500 or so carb. Enough power, stock install (no special parts/adapters) period correct, etc. Perfect for a cruiser

 

What's more important:
1. most power for $$, same brand
2. just old, same brand
3. "period correct" (what would someone have done with the car in 1955?), same brand
4. period correct

1. 460
2. FE or MEL
3. Lincoln 368
4. Cadillac, Olds, nailhead, 354

 

I agree with KenC. You can get a decent amount of power out of a 312 with some minor upgrades. There is a lot to be said for not having to change motor mounts, trans mounts, and accesories. All that stuff can really add up.

 

If you want cheap, easy performance, than a 289/302 backed by a c4 is the route to go. If you're running a stick than a t-10 is the best tranny for the job.

If you want cheap/easy, than just swap in a "good" 292. IF you want expensive, than you can make a performer out of a 292, it just costs money. Lots.(If it needs a full rebuild atleast)

I like SBF's as much as the next guy, they're great engines, but I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Y-blocks. However, the FE series is probably the best run of engines Ford ever designed.

In short, stick with a y-block if you like going slow(but looks and sounds so good), go to an FE if you like going fast for a little bit of a cost, and go to SBF for cheap performance.

Mind you, I kept a Y-block, so I'm pretty biased.

P.s. going from a tired small cube Y to a healthy post 57 Y is a big difference. Night and day going from a 239 to a 292. Better, smoother, acceleration, more low end torque, actual power after 3k(that 239 just wouldnt go!). Heck even the post '59 160 bhp engines are really good!

Good luck!

 

I think you would be happy with a 351 W and an AOD.

 

I'd go with a 390 or a 430 Lincoln.