The late model Y's have those two extra holes between the center cylinders.  What was their purpose?  They are so small it doesnt seem like they would do much of anything.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

When I heard these tiny holes are for steam, I said to myself, "Yeah, right."
Then I thought of how much (or how little) water pressure there is.  Aint no way any meaningful water is going to flow through these small holes.  Steam, causes LOTS of pressure, and shoots through the smallest openings.  So ok, I'll buy the 'steam' theory.

First of all, I'm not building a race engine to go in a two ton Galaxie.  Is it an early engine?  They came out in '54, mine is a '59, and I believe trucks still used the 292 in '62.  Mine is in the middle of Ford's production run which means, for five years before mine, Ford didn't need extra holes but now they do.

Ok, so what to believe?  The guys with the most experience, practicing their talents and skills.  If Ted says, "No need for holes," then that's good enough for my 292.

The holes will still remain in the Fel-Pro head gaskets, but I won't drill my iron.

Dave Dare

Royal Oak, Michigan (Four miles north of Detroit, and 12 miles NORTH of Windsor, Canada).  That's right, we're north of Canada.

Ford 292 Y-Block major overhaul by simplyconnected