Author Topic: Ford Y Block?  (Read 4682 times)

Offline Calkins

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Ford Y Block?
« on: October 11, 2017, 02:43:54 PM »
Is anyone currently running a Ford Y Block in a FED?  I am gathering bits to build a "legal" late '50's/early '60's style digger with carbed or injected gas 292, C4, and a 9".  I really like the late '50's Dragmaster Mark VI, which were 96", but I may build a traditional Woodie style car in the 140" area instead.

Before I get yelled at for wanting a short car, here me out.  I spend my time at "traditional" shows.  Vintage Torque Fest, Meltdown Drags, Fallout Drags, HAMB Drags, Back To The '50's, Eagle Field, TORG, etc.  I have no need to set the world on fire.  I am happy with foot braking to a 10.90.  It won't have more than 500hp, ever.  Heck, 350hp is probably about all it will see.  This car will be based around the C/GD class ran at Eagle Field.  Tim McMaster, The Y Block Guy, has a very similar setup.
Justin Calkins - Iowa Falls, Iowa  USA

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:  1997 Hal Canode 225" FED

Offline Paul New

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Re: Ford Y Block?
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2017, 02:55:11 PM »
There are a few Y block cars out! And yes I would build a short car also for what you t looking to do

Offline JFC100

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Re: Ford Y Block?
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2017, 11:49:32 AM »
This will make a great period car. There are several Y-block enthuiasts in the Midwest.
Jim

Offline denverflatheader

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Re: Ford Y Block?
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2017, 07:38:57 AM »
Calkins – 96” wb Dragmaster fits late ‘50s/early ‘60s better.  I’m guessing 140” wb was more common moving towards mid-1960s.  In case you didn’t know, Flat-o-matic Company makes a kit for the C4 to remove tail housing so it’s similar length to shorty PG.  You could completely sheet metal over C4 so it’s hidden from view.

http://flat-o.com/carproducts/shorty.htm

Instead of 9 inch, you might consider narrowed early Ford banjo rear, methods now available to convert it to locker or mini-spool with aftermarket axles and brakes.  Modified banjo will work with your Y-block hp/torque estimates and “theme-wise” look more eye-catching.

http://www.hotrodworks.com/

Not familiar with anyone running a vintage style Y-block fed.  For my vintage injected six cylinder fed, it‘s setup with remote start 12v battery, no push starts anymore.  After startup, 12v battery disconnected, drive thru the burn out box, stage and foot brake away.  No transbrake, no tach, no shift light, nothing electronic except a magneto ground toggle.  After a dozen passes, you learn when to shift, pull the fuel shut off and every run is same and simple.  Basic fun.  Alan

Offline Calkins

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Re: Ford Y Block?
« Reply #4 on: October 20, 2017, 07:57:47 AM »
I planned on getting the Flat-O shorty kit and bellhousing.

I have thought about doing a Banjo axle.  I was just asking my father about that.  He owns Leadmine Products, and sells a lot of axle stuff.  I also thought about using a Ford 8", too.  I will probably buy cores for them all, and pick one as I am building (or having built) the chassis.

I have seen the remote battery setup on a lot of FEDs now.  I will probably do that, too.  No trans brake.  Vertex mag.  Maybe a little Sun or Moon tach.  No shift light.  Single four barrel with a Surfer's scoop.  Mooneyes style headers.  8" slicks.  I REALLY want a Hilborn stack setup, but there were only 144 of those made, and if you ever see them they are going for $4k.  I would gladly pay that, if I ever saw one.
« Last Edit: October 20, 2017, 07:59:41 AM by Calkins »
Justin Calkins - Iowa Falls, Iowa  USA

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:  1997 Hal Canode 225" FED

Offline Paul New

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Re: Ford Y Block?
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2017, 09:27:40 PM »
I know this guy had at least one set of stacks for a Y block http://jimlindsayauthor.com/Cars.html#prettyPhoto I know Jim has quite a collection