Y- block origins?


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By HenryFloored - 12 Years Ago
Hey guys I know I never post much here, but I visit every day. I have learned alot and look forward to much more. I am raising the question of the Y-block family history because to be honest I haven't really heard or read much about it. The story of the OHV GM engines that debuted in 1949 is well documented. The hemi's from Chrysler that is a well known story too. Heck even the Studebaker V8 seems to have more written about how it came about. So I tee up the questions. When did the Y-block go on the drawing board? Were the Lincoln and Ford versions developed simultaneously? How long was the gestation period? Who were the chief designers? Was the Y-block designed for a specific car line or was it originally intended to meet a wide variety of cars and trucks? Was Ford equal to or ahead of it's rivals on matters of technical advancement? Anything else you can add would be appreciated and enjoyed. Thanks!
By Daniel Jessup - 12 Years Ago
the best thing for you to do would be to purchase a copy of this...

http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Y-Block-Repair-Rebuild-1954-62/dp/087938185X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340676038&sr=8-1&keywords=Y+Block+Ford

For 17 bucks, it is the best deal going. You will get a lot of good historical records from the book, and it is a decent resource for rebuild work too if you watch out for some common errors. Others will have comments, i am sure.

By PF Arcand - 12 Years Ago
Daniels recommendation is a good start. One note I ran across somewhere is that Ford intended originally to introduce the Ford-Mercury engine for the companies 50 anniversary,in 1953, but they were also in the midst of revamping many of their production facilities, starting in 1948, so it didn't come to be. The ghost of Henry & the war years were still hanging over the company. Henry the "duece" didn't get full control of the company until late 1945. He began making changes to the upper structure of the company in 1946. The Lincoln/truck versions of the Y-Block style engines debuted in 1952 along with the OHV 6 cyl. However, not much interchanges with the later Ford engines. I've not seen an actual date on when the Ford & Mercury engine design began..maybe someone else here can shed light on that...
By pops - 12 Years Ago
I wish to thank Daniel as well for the book suggestion. I was unaware of it and now I am, so thanks!
By The Master Cylinder - 12 Years Ago
Just be aware that the newer reprints are not reprints at all but copies of the original book, hence the photos are dark and hard to see and the quality of the book isn't as good as before.



Don't know if the publisher 'lost" the original prints when it went out of print a while back or what???
By Daniel Jessup - 12 Years Ago
It's the copy made in China, lol...

Y'all remember when those original copies went for over 100 bucks on ePay?

By MoonShadow - 12 Years Ago
Same time you could still find them on Amazon for under $20. Sure do. Another reason to be careful on EPAY. Chuck
By aussiebill - 12 Years Ago
HenryFloored (6/25/2012)
Hey guys I know I never post much here, but I visit every day. I have learned alot and look forward to much more. I am raising the question of the Y-block family history because to be honest I haven't really heard or read much about it. The story of the OHV GM engines that debuted in 1949 is well documented. The hemi's from Chrysler that is a well known story too. Heck even the Studebaker V8 seems to have more written about how it came about. So I tee up the questions. When did the Y-block go on the drawing board? Were the Lincoln and Ford versions developed simultaneously? How long was the gestation period? Who were the chief designers? Was the Y-block designed for a specific car line or was it originally intended to meet a wide variety of cars and trucks? Was Ford equal to or ahead of it's rivals on matters of technical advancement? Anything else you can add would be appreciated and enjoyed. Thanks!

With a worldwide lack of power and speed, God on the 8th day invented the Y block ! and thats that !Smile