[paul2748]

As far as a water leak down the back, it may not originate there. Could be the by-pass hose, the heater control valve or even the water passage at he intake manifold. The front leak usually goes to the back via the space between the valley cover and the head or via the valley cover itself.


As far as a swap with a later YBlock, it's pretty much a bolt in. You can use your present trans, it will bolt up to the later engine. You want to use a 57 or later distributor and a 57 or later carb. The 54 front steady rest will not work with the later engine, you will need a 55/56 unit if you want to use one. If your not 12 volts already, do a switch. You will find some minor glitches doing the swap as is noted above.