Technical Y Block Builder in CA

I have 55 F100 with a 272 Y Block, it runs really well but has leaks. I'd like to have the motor completely redone. Does anyone have recommendations for a shop in So. Cal?

 

There is a guy here on the HAMB in Fresno I believe that is top notch on Y blocks. Did a donation build for The Highway man in San Diego. There was a long thread about it here but if I remember correctly it might have been deleted due to off topic posts.

 

Tim McMaster

 

Stay away from Wayne's in Riverside.

Very piss poor work.

Sent from my SM-G930T using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

If you want someone closer to SoCal I'm sure the guy who did my flathead would do just as good work on a Y block.
BMS machine services in San Bernardino.

 

John Mummit in El Cajon

 

Thank you guys, I’ll start doing some research.

 

@mctim64 is your Y block master.

 

I have heard a lot of good things about Tim. He is up in Hanford. A bit of a drive but I only want to do this once and do it right.

Thank you.

 

I'm in St. Louis MO and I'm considering sending my next one all the way to @mctim64
If you're in driving distance that's where I would go...

 

Yes, he is about 2.5 hours from me.

Seems like the go to guy.

 

I wanted to do it right as well. So I bought my Y Block from Tim and drove down to California to pick it up. Met Tim and had a nice little road trip for about the same cost as shipping.
Edmonton to California, a nice short road trip. Lots of fun, I loved it.

 

Might try
1. Johnson's Automotive Machine

12173 10th StYucaipa, CA 92399

(909) 797-2063
My friends had them rebuild their Flatheads there.

 

I checked out Johnson's when I was looking to have my flathead rebuilt. He seemed to know what he was talking about and the prices he quoted were reasonable. Also, he was recommended by someone I consider very knowledgeable. I ended up going with another shop but I wouldn't hesitate to use Johnson's in the future.

 

Didn't even have to stop to piss, amirite?

 

Another recommendation for Tim McMaster in Hanford, CA.

 

Dave at BMS is a good guy, he is in the Berdo/Loma Linda/Redlands area,, I say this though Tim at Hanford Auto Parts and Machine is my motor guy and when you drive to Hanford,, you can stop in Superior Ice Cream a couple of blocks from Tim.

 

Are Y-blocks "that" complicated compared to other SBF's or other engines? I remember when I was a kid the guy next door(with a garage with a dirt floor) did plenty of re-builds. Mid fifties..so I'm sure a lot were Y's. My dads big (55)Merc in paticuliar Seems like any reputable shop could re-build an old Y...no prob. What am I missing?
6sally6

 

Im 46 and know nothing about motors. It’s going to be a learning experience for me just pulling it and putting it back in. That’s my reasoning for wanting an “expert”. I don’t want it leaking and I’d like to have it made back to spec as far as how it looks. I live in ventura county and I haven’t found anyone locally to have faith in yet. That’s why I’m asking.

 

Another vote for Tim McMaster. I'm in Nebraska and would also pay shipping to have him build any engine, not just a Y-block.

 

No, but they have some quirks and "gotchas", if it's all the same might as well have someone who is well familiar with these, if only for peace of mind.

 

i think as long as you count the right number of teeth when you put the timing gears on,you won't have much trouble......the rest is average!

 

In the west it's Tim McMaster. In the middle America it's Ted Eaton in Leona Tx. I don't know in the east.
As 6sally6 asked...they are just another "air pump" but they have their peculiarities and the builder needs to know. Most of the guys who were knowledgable are now gone.

 

Half the people are below average, don't forget that.

 

Another vote for Tim McMaster, he races em at Bonneville and is an upright guy, plus honest as the day is long.........
he dinn't get the moniker Y-Block Guy for nothing.................

 

Mummert
http://www.ford-y-block.com

 

Thanks for all the kind words, always happy to do another Y-Block. I am busy and it takes a little time as there is a bit of a waiting list but when I get started on a customer build it goes fairly quick.

 

Thanks Tim! I’ll be in touch with you in the summer. Hope to get the motor out just after the ventura nationals.

 

Just get a FE any you will be happy. bolt it to a late flywheel bellhousing and full syncro trans . use a universal crossmember (pictured) and a tails housing mount on the trans and its a bolt in. and you can if you desire get a better starter, heads that have hard valve seats, electronic ignition and alternator for a lot less money than the cost of a Y block rebuild. I had a 66 -352 in my 56 pickup. more power and used less fuel than a Y block. I only took it out because ive got a 401 nailhead that I think needs to be in the 56.

 

If my truck wasn’t period correct and original, that would’ve been my plan. I would’ve went with a coyote, ifs, 4link, etc... I want to keep it period correct.