Hello, I have a 1954 Ford Mainline with a 239 Y-Block. The carb is a Ford script 8BA and is cracked. Since I have to get another carb, is this what is supposed to be on the car? From what I can tell, the 8BA was only on 1953 or earlier flathead cars.
239 shipped with a Loadomatic distributor, no? If so that would mean a Teapot carb. As you probably know the earlier Y Blocks used a vacuum-only advance system and must use the correct carb w/ spark control valve. A lot of people consider it an upgrade to use a '57 - '64 distributor with mechanical advance.
You need to know that 54 y blocks were manufactured in two plants and the parts don't interchange. Which engine do you have?
I have no record of the 239 using the "teapot" two-barrel. The Holley factory manuals show a number of different type 2100-DD (looks like the "94), depending on A/T, S/T, S/T with OD, etc. All would be marked on the side "EBU" Jon.
Before I go any further, is a 239 worth messing with for a daily driver? Should I drop in a running 272 or 292? I did not know that '54 engines were made in two plants with no interchangeability.
I had a '54 with a 239. Great little engine. Run it till it breaks! As stated the correct carb is the EBU.
There is an early and a late 239, the later one can interchange most parts with 272/292. I have one, its a nice baby Y Sent from my SM-G930F using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hm. I think the early Y Blocks used Loadomatic (vacuum only) distributors though. A '57 or later distributor allows more options carb wise.
Thanks everyone for the info, I will keep the 239 and source the correct carb. What are the parts that are not interchangeable between engines from different plants?
I don’t know about early and late 239’s, haven’t heard that one before. But the 239 & 256 used a different gear on the distributor, and a diffferent oil pump drive shaft -blade instead of hex IIRC. I also think you’ll need the specific EBU for the load o matic distributor. I don’t know that they all have the right vacuum port to work with it. If the 239 runs good, drive it. If it’s in need of a rebuild, run everything down before you commit to it. Some parts, cam, cam bearings, water pump, and main and rod bearimgs can be tough. Check Mummert’s site for casting numbers. Information center at the bottom of the page. http://www.ford-y-block.com/
By early and late i mean 54 vs 55 (off the top of my head) ebu vs ebv. Ebv have standard sized cam bearings and interchangable parts, but they are 55 f100 only not passenger car engines. Sent from my SM-G930F using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
If the 239 runs good just swap in a 57 or later Y block dist. and run any carb and intake you want. If it worn out and the rocker arms aren't oiling. Swap in a FE or a later small block.
I do not know where you got your info early versus late.the only 239 in 55 would probably be in a truck not a car .as to what carb EBU is correct for restoration EBU will be cast into the float chamber portion of carb.as to 239 I agree not a lot of interchange.too many bad mouth because they read it not first hand knowledge.they did have oiling problem but easy and cheap fix an oiler kit.those that feel it does not look right do not look.only those that own one should comment good or bad.had mine many years.
i agree, i love my 239, i heard replacement cam can do wonders with oiling issues, ive seen 700 hp y blocks, they arent trash. everyone says theyre expensive too but i havnt seen that either, 2250 for aluminum heads?? that seems pretty middle of the road
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