The Engine that Replaced the Flathead ~ Ford Y-Block Build

The Horsepower Monster ~ The Y-Block was Ford’s first overhead valve V8 engine and the design the company felt was worthy to replace the world-famous Flathead. But the engine has some serious oiling problems that can affect longevity even when you aren’t pushing tons of horsepower.

This is a rebuild Keith Dorton of Automotive Specialists is doing for a 1955 Thunderbird show car. It is a mostly stock rebuild but Dorton has put some very cool touches to help improve the oiling system significantly. So check out our deep dive into the engine that replaced the Flathead…

CORRECTION: The engine is bored 0.040 of an inch over, making the bore size 3.790 inches. I have no idea why I said the bore is 4.150 inches. Also, the tach cable is mechanical, unlike most that use a digital signal. It is the speedo cable that runs from the transmission.