I know about the thin metal plate to block it between the intake and head. This is going to be a performance type street engine.
And I am all about fixing any weak areas and doing no/low cost mods.

I'm talking about filling the passage in the head. Has anyone done it and what did you use.

I just got to thinking about one of the weak areas that are prone to cracking and my mind kinda went in this direction..
I'm thinking I need to spend more time block sanding instead of thinking..lol

Thanks
Dave

Maybe just use the restricted intake gaskets and leave it at that .. Your still driving it on the street.



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

It's a weak area? Never heard that before. Y-block intakes are a natural air gap and the cross over makes it street friendly. I agree with using the truck restricted gaskets and opening the exhaust flapper or removing it.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Dave C.  I second DryLakesRacer's two suggestions.  Use the truck style restricted crossover intake manifold gaskets AND wire open, eliminate, or remove the exhaust manifold heat riser valve.  With the exhaust heat riser valve not functioning, the quantity of exhaust gases passing through the crossover passageway will be minimal and your engine's street performance will be satisfactory. 

Click the links below to see parts to consider . . .

https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_thunderbird/ford-thunderbird-exhaust-heat-riser-valve-with-stainless-rod-and-flapper-1955-57.html
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_mercury_late/heat-riser-spacer-v8-272-292-and-312-ford.html
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_thunderbird/ford-thunderbird-exhaust-heat-riser-valve-with-stainless-rod-without-flapper-1955-57.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Edsel-Mercury-272-292-312-Y-Block-Intake-Manifold-Gasket-Set-BEST-1955-64/190905115430?fits=Make%3AFord&epid=1529964323&hash=item2c72d4e326:g:6TAAAOxyTkJSOJJf
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1959-Ford-Mercury-272-292-312-Y-Block-Intake-Manifold-Gasket-Set/162707606077?hash=item25e2210a3d:g:5ZUAAOSwzilZ3Nxe

Hope this helps!  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

The "fix" is labor intensive, and requires some mechanical skills, and specialized tools.   You will need to clean the passages completely after removing all the valves, and have access to an old forged piston that you can melt down to liquid form.  You will need to install something in the bowl to keep the liquid aluminum from going in places you don't want it to go, and turn the head so that you can pour the melted aluminum into the cross over port and fill it.  Do this to both heads.  After the aluminum solidifies, you can blend and reshape the back of the exhaust valve bowl to aid flow.  Machine flat the area where the intake manifold mates up to the head, and clean, reassemble valve train, etc.  This used to be a way to improve flow on the exhaust as well as blocking the heat source.  Joe-JDC

JDC

Thanks Joe, that’s the best I can come up with as well. I was kinda hoping someone had came up with an epoxy or something similar over the years.

As to the gasket block off. Already considered that and had planned on it until this crossed my mind.

Weak area of the Y head. From reading, it seems they were more prone to cracking in the area where the two exhaust valves are side by side.
Not saying they will. Just saying I like to address possible issues before they become reality.

I like to think I have the skills to do what I want. Been building race car chassis, engines and trans for 40+ years. Current ride runs 1/8 mile in 4.3 @159 mph. Haven’t worked on a Y since I was 17 though.

Thanks for the input.

Dave

Dry lakes.. This is where I heard about this “issue”.
http://www.ford-y-block.com/troubleareas.htm

Again, not saying it will happen. And not even saying it’s preventable. .

Thank

Dave