Hi all, I am thinking about buying a 1954 F-100 and have a few questions for all of you.

The owner says there is a 272 in it. I looked at the y-block site for engine identification and am under the assumption that the 272 wasn’t available until 1955. Is that correct?

Recognizing the engine could have been swapped, what’s the likely place for a block casting number? I will have the owner check.

So if it’s a 239, how should I feel about it? I’m thinking parts availability is even more limited with the 239 versus the later y-8s, and I’m sure performance differs as well.

Also, the truck has a three speed with overdrive. I’m not familiar with the overdrive option - how it works, its dependability - so any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

The truck won’t be driven a lot but it would be nice to take it down the road occasionally without getting completely run over.

Here are a couple of engine pics if there is anything that tips you off on the engine in it.




MplsMike
'56 Parklane
Minneapolis, MN