As Ford cars grew in both size and weight after WWII, the need for a more powerful and robust engine than the aging Flathead was becoming apparent. The successor of the Flathead engine, the Ford Y-block V-8 engine delivered far better performance and it didn't have the inherent oiling problems of the Flathead. This engine featured deep skirt block design, and its layout resembles a "Y," hence the Y-block name. Manufactured displacements of 239, 256, 272, 292, and 312 cubic inches, this stout engine grew in displacement over the years to meet demands for more power. It powered a variety of Ford trucks and cars from 1952 to 1964, including the Thunderbird, Edsel, and the famous 53-56 pickups.

The Ford Y-block has been largely ignored for years, but now the engine is enjoying a renaissance. With the renewed interest, many new high-performance parts are on the market. In this comprehensive rebuild and high-performance build-up guide, a step-by-step rebuild of two stock engines is provided, complete with explanatory text and captions as well as full-color photos. During the rebuild process, you learn the unique features of this engine series and how to build a strong and reliable engine. In addition, author Charles Morris profiles the building a modified supercharged 292 engine that uses the latest performance parts and technology developed specifically for this engine series. You are shown how to machine and prep the block, refurbish the cylinder heads, and select the optimal rotating assembly for a particular horsepower level.

The last book published on Y-Blocks was more than 20 years ago, but there has not been an authoritative step-by-step engine rebuild and high-performance book until now. The enthusiasts have been clamoring for information and of course owners will find invaluable coverage of the new parts, machining process, and assembly techniques. If you're a Y-block enthusiast, you will have to have this book.

Charles Morris is an auto enthusiast and a die-hard Ford fan who has written scores of articles for Ford car magazines. A drag racer since 1966, Morris has been a crewmember for a Top Alcohol Funny Car and a Pro/Stock team; he has also run cars in Stock, Super Stock, and Nostalgia Super Stock classes. He was a 2006 inductee into the USA 1 Nostalgia Dragfest Hall of Fame.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments 4
Introduction 5
What is a Workbench(R) Book? 8
Chapter 1: Engine Evaluation 9
High Mileage 9
Excessive Oil Consumption 9
Low Oil Pressure 10
Decrease in Performance 11
Noises 13
Diagnostic Tools and Techniques 15
Spark Plug Inspection 15
Ignition Timing Check 15
Vacuum Test 17
Compression Check 18
Leak-Down test 19
Cooling System Pressure Test 20
Chapter 2: Pulling the Engine 21
Hood 21
Battery 21
Fluids 22
Wiring 22
Distributor and Ignition 22
Belts 23
Lines and Hoses 23
Hoist and Lift Brackets 23
Driveshaft 23
Transmission 23
Engine Stand 24
Chapter 3: Preparing to Rebuild an Engine 28
Facilities 28
Safety is Crucial 29
Organization and Planning 29
Rationale for Rebuilding 30
Tools and Equipment 30
Machine Shop Services 33
Chapter 4: Engine Disassembly 34
Valvetrain Disassembly 35
Camshaft Removal 36
Cylinder Head Disassembly 38
Block Disassembly 40
Chapter 5: Inspection and Cleaning 44
Professional Inspection 44
Rocker Arm Assemblies 45
Camshaft and Lifters 46
Cylinder Heads 47
Cylinder Block 52
Pistons and Connecting Rods 59
Crankshaft and Vibration Dampener 60
Chapter 6: Machining and Parts Selection 64
Parts Sources 64
Connecting Rods 64
Rotating Assembly 69
Cylinder Block 74
Cylinder Heads 79
Cylinder Head Resurfacing 83
Valve Job 84
Cylinder Head Assembly 87
Piston and Connecting Rod Installation 89
Chapter 7: Assembly 90
Safety and Cleanliness 90
Specialized Tools and Products 92
Bottom End Assembly 94
Top End Installation 107
Chapter 8: High-Performance Y-Block Engine Build 111
Racing Engines 114
Chapter 9: Engine Installation, Start-Up and Break-In 123
Installation 123
Priming the Engine 126
Distributor Installation 127
Priming the Fuel System 128
Break-In 129
Epilogue 131
Appendix 132
Cylinder Numbering and Firing Order 132
General Engine Specifications 132
Torque Specifications 132
Preliminary Valve Lash Adjustment 133
Firing Order 133
Cylinder Order 133
Cylinder Head Bolt-Tightening Sequence 134
Cam Timing 134
Dampener Timing Settings 135
Source Guide 136