Y block intake port matching

B

Bruce Compton Canada

Senior Member
Looking at aftermarket aluminum intakes for the Y block that "fit" everything from '55-'62 , 239"-312" engines, why are there several different listings for intake gaskets (1954,1955-56 and 1957-62 plus a difference for 2V ad 4V). Also, if the heads are interchangeable left to right, why are there two different part numbers for left and right intake gaskets?? I hav'nt messed with Y blocks for 40 years so I'm a little foggy about these details. What does not match and what does??? Thanks : Bruce
 
Bruce, I do know that a intake for a 272, 292, 312, doesn't seal too well on a 239/256, so the aftermarket aluminum intake will probably have the same problem areas. As far as different part no. for the intake, I have no idea.:confused:
 
Somebody correct me if I am wrong here on any of this, but I believe the 1954, 239 Y-block intake and heads are smaller than the later years and are NOT interchangeable.
Beyond that, the 292 truck intake gaskets are different from the car engine intake gaskets but they ARE interchangeable with the 272, 292 and 312 engines, I think. The only difference in the truck intake gasket is that is has a smaller opening at the heat riser passage, but mating between intake and heads is identical.
There is no difference between the left and right intake gaskets. They are identical. The exhaust manifold gaskets are also identical from side to side, but they have aluminum-facing on one face of each gasket. You want to install the aluminum-faced side outward on each.
2V = (2) venturi intake. 4V = (4) venturi intake. I doubt there is an aftermarket aluminum 2V intake available. They probably have a 4V and possibly a dual 4V for hot-rodders. Pick the poison you want to use. It does not make any difference which carb you plan to use. The mating between intake and heads is the same as I described above.
Sorry, I don't know that much about the Mercury 256, but it looks to me like a 272 with a little smaller bore maybe. Ford used the little 239 in trucks from '54 thru '55, while the 239 was discontinued in cars at the end of the '54 model year. I think they started using the 292 with a steel crank in trucks from '56 thru '64. 1964 was the last year for the y-block engine.
 
Daves55Sedan said:
There is no difference between the left and right intake gaskets. They are identical.
Click to expand...

That's incorrect, there most certainly is a difference between the right and left intake gaskets. try laying one on top of the other. Notice the center exhaust crossover is aligned but the ports and water passage are not.

8735682309_c64d4a1353.jpg
 
Last edited:
i have often seen people mix up intake gaskets and end with a giant vacuum leak.gaskets are interchangeable from 55 up even though ports sizes changed over the years.both 239 and 256 in 54 were odd balls but the 239 and 256 for 55 were the same as later years.these were all truck engines.
 
The Hot Rod Reverend has some pictures I sent him, (I'm not smart enough to post them myself). Maybe if we ask nicely he will post the picture showing how I mark the heads and manifolds to match gaskets. Its easy to do, and makes free horse power.
 
Ole Don said:
The Hot Rod Reverend has some pictures I sent him, (I'm not smart enough to post them myself). Maybe if we ask nicely he will post the picture showing how I mark the heads and manifolds to match gaskets. Its easy to do, and makes free horse power.
Click to expand...

Would really like to see your marking procedures. Never saw them posted:confused:
 
Y-Blockhead said:
That's an interesting article. Can't say I ever remember seeing a set of ECZ-E or ECZ-F heads? :eek:
Click to expand...

I agree, a very nice article, but I also agree there must be some kind of typo with the ECZ-E and ECZ-F heads. No such thing. He's referring to them as big valve heads for '57 thru '59. There were actually no heads that had the casting number end with an "E" or "F" in any model year except the very rare 1957 supercharger head (EDB-E).
All big valve heads in '57 and part of '58 for cars were ECZ-G, no mater if they were on a 272, 292 or 312.
 
Whoops! Just now saw this posting and call out for me to show the photos that Ole Don sent me sometime back. Sorry about that. Let me see if I can find them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top