Table Of ContentAcknowledgments 4 Introduction 5 What is a Workbench® 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
SynopsisIn this Ford Y-block step-by-step engine rebuild and high-performance book 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., 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.