Real Ford Y Block 4V makes 613 hp NA

[Joe-JDC]

Retirement has allowed me to get back on one of my favorite engine builds, and I finally have the proof that the design can work with good parts and lots of preparation.  I was able to spend two days on the dyno at Ted Eaton's shop in Lorena, TX and tested 4 intakes and 6 different carburetor combinations.  The engine is 3.862" bore x 4.000" stroke for 374.86 cubic inches, and I tested my ported heads, ported intakes: dual plane, single plane, single plane-dominator, tunnel ram.  The single plane intakes are new, and I have one of the first with the Dominator carb pad.  It is a real improvement for those wishing high rpm performance with a Y.  Anyway, it was fun, lots of work, and very tiring but satisfying.  Here are a couple of pictures of the results.  Joe-JDC

[galaxiex]

This forum really needs a "Like" button....

So I'll just give a big "Thumbs Up" 

[BruceS]

Outstanding job Joe! A couple of questions of you don't mind. 
1.  Did you start with a 312 block?
2.  I understand you ported the heads, did you start with the Mummert aluminum versions?
3.  I've seen on a Y forum that Ford of Argentina developed a head in later years that didn't use the stacked intake arrangement.  Have you had any experience with those heads?

Last, what version of Y are you installing in your T-Bird? 

[Joe-JDC]

This started life as a C2 (1962) 292 block.  The 312 has larger main journals which is not as good for serious horsepower.  I used a Moldex custom forged crankshaft with Honda rod journals, Crower 6.300 rods, JE forged pistons, Jones custom camshaft with 268/274* .409/.395" lobe lift, Trend tool steel lifters, Smith Brothers push rods, Mummert heads, Mummert intakes that I ported.  FPA headers for TBird, and I have a .500" iron block girdle for holding that 4" stroke together at 7500 rpm.  I did a half fill of the block, added an electric water pump motor, and complete MSD ignition.  So, really it is not a true Y Block, but newer Y block parts. LOL
I have not seen the Argentina heads in person.
My '55 Tbird has a 345 Y all iron making 402 hp.  It is low compression and small cam for street with AC.

 

[gregaba]

That engine is impressive.
one of my favorite engine of all time.
I just wish they would have keep them longer and developed them to their full potential.
Greg

[blykins]

Good job, Joe.  Little engine runs hard.

Glad you're getting to do some playing now.

[frnkeore]

Joe, how many cfm, did you get out of the Mummert heads?

Unbelievable, what the old Y-block will do and keep together!

I have to admit, that I didn't like them in the '60's, when I was a mechanic. I had to put a lot of over head oilers on them, had a 312 with a cracked block (main to cam) and they were heavy. Do you know how much your weighs or how much the aluminum timing cover, saves in weight?

[FrozenMerc]

Impressive numbers Joe.  Keep up the good work.

[Joe-JDC]

I have ported several sets of the Mummert aluminum heads to flow 290/200, let's just say these are better than that, and the DP intake flows 340 cfm, the SP flows 348, the SP-D flows 355, and the TR flows 355 cfm.  The engine weight has not been established with aluminum heads, valley cover, timing cover, intake manifold, valve covers, headers.  It is not much heavier than a SBF, if any, this way.  I can slide it into the bed of my truck by myself on furniture slides.  The LS block is strangely similar to the Y in design.  Joe-JDC 

[Gaugster]

It's great to see a master craftsman in his element.

[winr1]

Wow !! .. thanks for info Joe

Digs this " My '55 Tbird has a 345 Y all iron making 402 hp.  It is low compression and small cam for street with AC. "


Ricky.

[Falcon67]

Dual 850s on top of the TR?  Dang.  Good power + torque.  What jetting on those beasts?  I need to tinker with a TR more on my 351C

[hwoods]

https://www.fordmuscle.com/features/car-features/video-joe-cebes-600-horsepower-all-motor-y-block-ford-thunderbird/

[Joe-JDC]

Dual 850s on top of the TR?  Dang.  Good power + torque.  What jetting on those beasts?  I need to tinker with a TR more on my 351C

The carbs are Pro Systems 860 cfm carbs jetted this time with #81s square in both carbs.  The torque with my Isky camshaft was 567, and with the Jones camshaft the highest was 546.  However the Isky was installed at 101*, and the Jones camshaft at 105*.  I am sure there is another 10 horsepower available if we had tried different spacers or multiple spacers on the various combinations. Ted is recovering from surgery on his arm and rotator cuff, so I didn't want to inconvenience him with resetting the throttle on the dyno for adding spacers with each combination.  Joe-JDC

[Falcon67]

Thank you Joe.  I think I continually underestimate the amount of carb that a tunnel ram will work with on even a moderate size engine. I know the cam makes a lot of difference and especially on a 351C the install angle makes a difference, sometimes a big one.  I have also tended to undersize cams in my engines, why I started letting Brent spec in things.