The first Y-block on Ford automobiles and F100 trucks was the 239 in³ (3,910 cc) version as released in 1954 with EBU casting numbers. The Y-block was the same displacement as the old Ford Flathead V8 that it replaced but with a bigger bore and a shorter stroke (3.5 x 3.1 in). It produced 130 bhp (97 kW) at 4,200 rpm[5] as opposed to the flathead's final 110 bhp (82 kW) at 3,800 rpm,[6] an increase of 18%.[1] Torque was also up compared to the Flathead, with 214 lb·ft (290 N·m) at 1,800rpm[5] compared with 196 lb·ft (266 N·m) at 2,000rpm.[6] The Y-block was considered a major advancement over the flathead. The 239 in³ version was available in 1954 models (EBU casting numbers), and in late 1954 and 1955 (EBV casting numbers), while also in 1955 the bigger 272 in³ and 292 in³ siblings were introduced. The 1955 EBV 239 engine exchanges many parts with later model Y-blocks such as the 272 and 292, while the 1954 EBU engine has many parts that do not exchange with the 1955 EBV 239 and later Y-blocks.
The second generation of the Ford F-Series is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1953 to 1956 model years. In line with the previous generation, the F-Series encompassed a wide range of vehicles, ranging from light-duty pickup trucks to heavy-duty commercial vehicles.[4] In place of the previous "Bonus-Built" series, Ford now marketed its truck range as the "Triple Economy" series.[5]
To further emphasize the model update, Ford changed the F-Series model nomenclature from a single number to three numbers; subsequently, this system has remained in use on all Ford F-Series trucks to the present day.
Alongside the naming change, this generation marked several firsts for the F-Series, including an adjustable seat (wide enough for 3 people),[6] power brakes,[7][8] and the introduction of the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission as an option. In line with Ford cars, seat belts were introduced as an option for 1956.[3]
The second-generation F-Series was produced by Ford at eleven facilities across the United States; Ford Canada marketed the model line under both the F-Series and the Mercury M-Series nameplates.
