Читать книгу Ford Y-Block Engines - Charles Morris - Страница 5

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Ask anyone who has ever rebuilt an engine and they will tell you without fail that it is not a solo task. Although one person can accomplish certain aspects of the rebuild, other skilled people are required along the way. A couple of friends helped me with the heavy work, such as removing the engine from the car. It usually takes at least two people just to safely remove the hood so extra help certainly comes in handy. In addition, a professional machine shop and parts source are a must. I chose Jordan Automotive Machine in Hainesport, New Jersey, for the machine work necessary to complete this project. Why? Well, first and foremost because proprietor and ASE Master Engine Machinist Gil Jordan speaks Ford fluently. In my opinion, having experience with the idiosyncrasies of Ford engines is paramount to a successful rebuild.

The great news is that throughout this book you’ll see references to certain engineering features unique to the Y-block V-8 engine family. You need to recognize these and perform these specific procedures because if they are ignored during the machining and assembly phases, it spells disaster for your project.

This book is the result of much collaboration with my friends Richard Stuck and Jerry Christenson. Rich owns both engines covered, including the beautiful supercharged 1957 Custom. He is also the proud owner of the multitude of rare Y-block parts depicted. Jerry kindly lends his wealth of knowledge, which was accumulated over decades of building and successfully drag racing Y-block-powered Fords. I must admit that I took my very first trip down a drag strip at the wheel of a Y-block-powered 1954 Ford. My experience and forte has always been with the FE series engines, but it’s fascinating to me that my Y-block friends are fond of referring to the FE as “second-generation Y-blocks.” So, having two friends with so much experience with this engine family has been a great help. As I say, “Rich and Jerry liked Y-blocks before Y-blocks were cool,” and that is a good thing.

Joel Naprstek, another friend, always can be depended upon to lend his talents to my projects. He is one of America’s most talented automotive artists, and I thank him for his contribution of line art.

Also deserving of recognition is Tim McMaster, who continues to put Y-block-powered vehicles in the record books decades after they were declared obsolete.