01-11-2022, 08:03 PM | #1 |
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59 Y block
Picked up this 59 block and it has an upside down Y Also got a nice C69 block thats the Canadian version of the 59 block. Are the Canadian blocks supposed to be superior to the American version? And whats up with the 59 Y. ?
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01-11-2022, 08:33 PM | #2 |
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Re: 59 Y block
If I recall correctly from Bruce Lancaster's extensive research, the end of the alphabet blocks "Y, Z" are military and supposedly cast with a higher nickel content and very good blocks to use.
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01-11-2022, 10:25 PM | #3 |
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Re: 59 Y block
And the C69A block has really thick cylinder walls, is the block to use for big bores.
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01-11-2022, 10:31 PM | #4 |
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Re: 59 Y block
I've heard of and had 59 L, Z and other blocks . . . and have heard all the flathead rumors related to them over the years. In the sonic testing that I've done (have my own sonic tester and it is very accurate), I've not seen any real evidence that any particular 59x block is thicker or better than another (as far as block identifiers go). I'm sure a lot of it depends on the foundry - as well as how long was the block used and how much corrosion played a role in reducing the wall thickness. I've never been able to substantiate any of the rumors - so I consider them 'flathead urban myths".
The same is true of the good ole 239 'Keystone' Merc/Truck/military blocks from 1939 to 1942 . . . can't tell you how many times folks have said this is the ultimate flathead block (everybody repeats the stories it seems). I have a NOS 42 Merc/Military keystone block in my 32 Cabriolet - it was STD bore when I got it (obviously) - I didn't find it to be noticeably thicker in any of my sonic tests (I do 12 readings per cylinder). Last edited by Bored&Stroked; 01-12-2022 at 07:51 PM. |
01-11-2022, 10:34 PM | #5 |
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Re: 59 Y block
FYI: I've never sonic tested a Canadian block . . . anybody have a good 'spare' around that they'd like to get rid of? I'd like to just go through one and check it out . . .
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01-12-2022, 09:43 AM | #6 |
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Re: 59 Y block
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The C69 engine had some weird bearings due to the change over to individual replaceable con rod bearing shells. The bearings are hard to source for those crankshafts. |
01-12-2022, 12:08 PM | #7 |
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Re: 59 Y block
As I recall the 59 Y blocks were generally referred to as being "Turkey Tracks". When I was a kid living in Idaho during the '40's/50's, Y blocks would appear on a regular basis, usually in a '30 model vehicle that had been re-powered with a 59 AB style of engine.
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01-12-2022, 07:49 PM | #8 | |
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Re: 59 Y block
Quote:
BlockPrep4 copy.jpg BrockPrep3 copy.jpg PanRail copy.jpg DeckComplete copy.jpg |
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01-12-2022, 08:05 PM | #9 |
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Re: 59 Y block
And the rest of us now have NOS block envy.
Bored&Stroked, my memory is you have tested the thickness of pretty much all varieties of 3 3/16 bore USA flathead blocks (prewar, 59, 8BA) and none are special in the wall thickness category. Am I remembering correctly? I too like the 39-40 Mercury blocks, but only because I want to sneak a 255+ inch motor into my 38 coupe and have it look 100% factory. I finally have the parts to do it, now I need the time and money to make it happen! |
01-12-2022, 08:21 PM | #10 | |
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Re: 59 Y block
Quote:
Now, if I had a dozed of each in NOS condition, then maybe I'd be able to extrapolate something . . . but the chances of that happening ended about 60+ years ago. As I get them and they are cleaned, then I test them . . . is about all we can do these days. |
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