1956 Ford Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 202-hp (w/ Fordomatic Dr) Y-block engine w/ modern 4160 Holley carburetor.
Engines Clutches Transmissions Rear Axle Ratios Rims Tires
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Engines
• Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp A-code
• Ford V-8 272-cid 173-hp (176-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) U-code
• Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-code
• Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr (only) P-code mid model-year
• Special Police Y-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-code
• (Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 210-hp (215-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) P-code
• "312 Cubic Inch High Power Engine Kit" 260-hp w/ Conv Dr or OD (only) production 103 kits late model-year
Special order parts #B6A-9000-B K3 & K4 for the 312-cid eng—police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, & other not factory installed
Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp A-code
Std, all Courier (Sedan Delivery), w/ all drives
Not avail in Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Opt, all other models, w/ all drives
6 cyl in-line 2 overhead-valve
Hp 137 @ 4000 rpm Torque 202 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 w/ all drives
CID 223 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.60" Main Bearings 4 Counterweights 9
Carb Single Jet (1-bbl) w/ manual choke Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust single Fuel reg
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 230 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Hp 137 @ 4000 rpm Torque 202 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 w/ all drives
CID 223 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.60" Main Bearings 4 Counterweights 9
Carb Single Jet (1-bbl) w/ manual choke Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust single Fuel reg
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 230 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Ford V-8 272-cid 173-hp (176-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) U-code
Std, Mainline & Customline, w/ all drives
Opt, Courier (Sedan Delivery), w/ all drives
Not avail in Fairlane & Station Wagon
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 173 @ 4400 rpm Torque 260 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 176 @ 4400 rpm Torque 264 lb-ft @ 2400 prm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 272 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearing 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Twin-Jet (2-bbl) w/ auto choke Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust single (opt dual) Fuel reg
Block ECG-6015 w/ EBU main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECG-6090-H (Conv Dr & OD), ECG-6090-R (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Hp 173 @ 4400 rpm Torque 260 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 176 @ 4400 rpm Torque 264 lb-ft @ 2400 prm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 272 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearing 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Twin-Jet (2-bbl) w/ auto choke Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust single (opt dual) Fuel reg
Block ECG-6015 w/ EBU main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECG-6090-H (Conv Dr & OD), ECG-6090-R (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-Code
Std, Fairlane & Station Wagon, w/ all drives
Opt, Mainline & Customline, w/ all drives
Not avail in Courier (Sedan Delivery)
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 292 Bore 3.75" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg (prem for max performance)
Blocks ECK-6015, EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry),
ECZ-6015-A, or ECZ-6015-B both w/ EBU main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD),
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 292 Bore 3.75" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg (prem for max performance)
Blocks ECK-6015, EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry),
ECZ-6015-A, or ECZ-6015-B both w/ EBU main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD),
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr (only) P-code mid model-year
Opt, Fairlane & Station Wagon, w/ Fordomatic Dr (only)
Not avail in Courier (Sedan Delivery)
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Overdrive Thunderbird only
Hp 225 @ 4600 rpm Torque 324 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 9.0 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 312 Bore 3.80" x Stroke 3.44" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both w/ ECZ main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize bore 0.040" + 3.80" = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Overdrive Thunderbird only
Hp 225 @ 4600 rpm Torque 324 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 9.0 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 312 Bore 3.80" x Stroke 3.44" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both w/ ECZ main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize bore 0.040" + 3.80" = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Special Police Y-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-code
Std, Police & Emergency Station Wagon, w/ all drives
Opt, Police & Emergency Mainline & Customline, w/ all drives
Adds low-restriction oil-bath air cleaner, dual exhaust, & reg fuel
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 292 Bore 3.75" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
(2 barrels triggered by engine need - not gas pedal position)
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECK-6015, EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry),
ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both w/ EBU main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD),
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" bore = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 292 Bore 3.75" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
(2 barrels triggered by engine need - not gas pedal position)
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECK-6015, EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry),
ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both w/ EBU main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD),
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" bore = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
(Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 210-hp (215-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) P-code
Opt, Police & Emergency Mainline, Customline, & Station Wagon, w/ all drives
Adds heavy-duty 11" clutch w/ press lub throwout bearing (Conv Dr & OD), heavy-duty 19.5 qt U.S. radiator (+ 1 qt U.S. heater) w/ high-speed fan, mech fuel pump w/ vacuum-booster, low-restriction oil-bath air cleaner, dual exhaust, & reg fuel to all models. Also adds heavy-duty springs, special brake linings, & rear gear ratios (to 1) 3.73 (Conv Dr), 3.92 (OD), & 3.54 (Fordomatic Dr) to Mainline & Customline.
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (int 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 210 @ 4600 rpm Torque 312 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 312 Bore 3.80" x Stroke 3.44" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
(2 barrels triggered by engine need - not gas pedal position)
Fan 4-blade high-speed Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both w/ ECZ main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.80" bore = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Hp 210 @ 4600 rpm Torque 312 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 312 Bore 3.80" x Stroke 3.44" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) w/ auto choke
(2 barrels triggered by engine need - not gas pedal position)
Fan 4-blade high-speed Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both w/ ECZ main bearing caps Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.80" bore = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs (below)
Tuneup Specifications
• Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp A-code
Elec System 12-volt Cyl front to rear 1-2-3-4-5-6 Firing Order 1-5-3-6-2-4
Spark Plugs Campion #870 (or Autolite #2954) 18 mm (no gasket)
Plug Gap .032-.036" Plug Tq 15-20 lb-ft Point Gap .024-.026" Dwell Angle 35-38°
Ignition Timing 4° BTDC (Conv Dr & OD) 6° BTDC (Fordonatic Dr) max 8° BTDC
w/ vac hose to dist disconnected Avance counter-clockwise
Idle Speed 475-500 rpm (Conv Dr & OD) 450-475 rpm (Fordomatic Dr, 425-450 rpm in "DR")
Valve Lash intake .015" exh .019" (hot)
Comp Press 150 psi @ cranking speed (sea level)
Oil Capacity 4 qt (eng) + 1 qt (filter) = 5 qt US (1 qt US = 0.95 liter)
Oil Viscosity grade 20 above 30°F grade 10 from 32°F to -10°F grade 5 below -10°F
Oil Press 45-50 psi (hot @ 2000 rpm)
Air Cleaner Oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F viscosity grade 10 below 32°F capacity 1 pint US
Coolant capacity 14.5 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 15.5 qt US presurized 6-1/4 to 7-3/4 lbs Rad Cap 13 psi
Thermostat 160°F high temp 180°F
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Sedans) 19 gal US (Station Wagons & Courier)
Shop Manual Maint & Tuneup Specs
Spark Plugs Campion #870 (or Autolite #2954) 18 mm (no gasket)
Plug Gap .032-.036" Plug Tq 15-20 lb-ft Point Gap .024-.026" Dwell Angle 35-38°
Ignition Timing 4° BTDC (Conv Dr & OD) 6° BTDC (Fordonatic Dr) max 8° BTDC
w/ vac hose to dist disconnected Avance counter-clockwise
Idle Speed 475-500 rpm (Conv Dr & OD) 450-475 rpm (Fordomatic Dr, 425-450 rpm in "DR")
Valve Lash intake .015" exh .019" (hot)
Comp Press 150 psi @ cranking speed (sea level)
Oil Capacity 4 qt (eng) + 1 qt (filter) = 5 qt US (1 qt US = 0.95 liter)
Oil Viscosity grade 20 above 30°F grade 10 from 32°F to -10°F grade 5 below -10°F
Oil Press 45-50 psi (hot @ 2000 rpm)
Air Cleaner Oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F viscosity grade 10 below 32°F capacity 1 pint US
Coolant capacity 14.5 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 15.5 qt US presurized 6-1/4 to 7-3/4 lbs Rad Cap 13 psi
Thermostat 160°F high temp 180°F
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Sedans) 19 gal US (Station Wagons & Courier)
Shop Manual Maint & Tuneup Specs
Tuneup Specifications
• Ford V-8 272-cid 173-hp (176-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) U-code
• Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-code
• Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr (only) P-code mid model-year
• Special Police Y-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-code
• (Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 210-hp (215-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) P-code
Elec System 12-volt
Cyl front to rear Right 1-2-3-4 Left 5-6-7-8 Firing Order 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Spark Plugs Campion #870 (or Autolite #2954) 18 mm (no gasket)
Plug Gap .032-.036" Plug Tq 15-20 lb-ft Point Gap .014-.016" Dwell Angle 26-28.5°
Ignition Timing 3° BTDC (Conv Dr & OD) 6° BTDC (Fordomatic Dr) max 10° BTDC
w/ vac hose to dist disconnected Advance clockwise
Idle Spd 475-500 rpm (Conv Dr & OD) 450-475 rpm (Fordomatic Dr, 425-450 rpm in "DR")
Valve Lash intake .018" exh .018" (hot)
Compression Presure
• Ford V-8 272-cid 130 psi
• Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 160 psi
• Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 155 psi
• Special Police Y-8 292-cid 160 psi
• (Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 155 psi
Oil Capacity 5 qt (eng) + 1 qt (filter) = 6 qt US (1 qt US = 0.95 liter)
Oil Viscosity grade 20 above 30°F grade 10 from 32°F to -10°F grade 5 below -10°F
Oil Press 45-50 psi @ 2000 rpm (hot)
Air Cleaner Oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F viscosity grade 10 below 32°F capacity 1 pint US
Coolant capacity 19 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 20 qt US pressurized 6-1/4 to 7-3/4 lbs Rad Cap 13 psi
Coolant Capacity w/ (Police) Interceptor V-8 19.5 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 20.5 qt US
Coolant Capacity Courier (Sedan Delivery) 20 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 21 qt US
Thermostat 160°F high temp 180°F
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Cars) 19 gal US (Station Wagon & Courier)
Shop Manual Maint & Tuneup Specs
Cyl front to rear Right 1-2-3-4 Left 5-6-7-8 Firing Order 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Spark Plugs Campion #870 (or Autolite #2954) 18 mm (no gasket)
Plug Gap .032-.036" Plug Tq 15-20 lb-ft Point Gap .014-.016" Dwell Angle 26-28.5°
Ignition Timing 3° BTDC (Conv Dr & OD) 6° BTDC (Fordomatic Dr) max 10° BTDC
w/ vac hose to dist disconnected Advance clockwise
Idle Spd 475-500 rpm (Conv Dr & OD) 450-475 rpm (Fordomatic Dr, 425-450 rpm in "DR")
Valve Lash intake .018" exh .018" (hot)
Compression Presure
• Ford V-8 272-cid 130 psi
• Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 160 psi
• Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 155 psi
• Special Police Y-8 292-cid 160 psi
• (Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 155 psi
Oil Capacity 5 qt (eng) + 1 qt (filter) = 6 qt US (1 qt US = 0.95 liter)
Oil Viscosity grade 20 above 30°F grade 10 from 32°F to -10°F grade 5 below -10°F
Oil Press 45-50 psi @ 2000 rpm (hot)
Air Cleaner Oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F viscosity grade 10 below 32°F capacity 1 pint US
Coolant capacity 19 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 20 qt US pressurized 6-1/4 to 7-3/4 lbs Rad Cap 13 psi
Coolant Capacity w/ (Police) Interceptor V-8 19.5 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 20.5 qt US
Coolant Capacity Courier (Sedan Delivery) 20 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 21 qt US
Thermostat 160°F high temp 180°F
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Cars) 19 gal US (Station Wagon & Courier)
Shop Manual Maint & Tuneup Specs
Wheel Alignment Specifications (all models)
Caster +1° (1/2° to 1-1/2°) Camber +3/4° (1/4° to 1-1/4°) Toe-in 3/32" (1/16" to 1/8")
"312 CUBIC INCH HIGH POWER ENGINE KIT" 260-hp late model-year
Special order parts for the 312-cid eng, dealership or other installed (not factory)
• Part #B6A-9000-B K3 for 1956 Ford w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp P-code & Conv Dr or OD
• Parts #B6A-9000-B K3 + #B6A-9000-B K4 for 1956 Thunderbird w/ opt V-8 312-cid 215 or 225-hp P-code & OD
NOTE Kits do not include the 1955-57 Thunderbird dress-up aluminum valve covers shown in photos
Part #B6A-9000-B K3
#B6A-9000-B K4
Kit info is from the following sources, with thanks, assumed accurate but not guaranteed:
Classic Thunderbird Club International Gil Baumgartner, Authenticity Chairman, CTCI
Porthole Authority Y-Blocks Forever (Forum) The Ford Barn (Forum)
Ford Trucks (Forum) Jalopy Journal (Forum)
Special order parts for the 312-cid eng, dealership or other installed (not factory)
• Part #B6A-9000-B K3 for 1956 Ford w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp P-code & Conv Dr or OD
• Parts #B6A-9000-B K3 + #B6A-9000-B K4 for 1956 Thunderbird w/ opt V-8 312-cid 215 or 225-hp P-code & OD
NOTE Kits do not include the 1955-57 Thunderbird dress-up aluminum valve covers shown in photos
Part #B6A-9000-B K3
Commonly called "Race Kit" (or incorrectly, "Power Pack," a street name for the '55 Ford "Special V-8")
Released by Production Service Letter P-311a, dated Jul 6, 1956
(Note: 1956 vehicle production year ended Aug 24, 1956)
K3 for 1956 Ford 312-cid cars w/ Conv Dr or Overdrive —police, NASCAR, & other
K3 (+ K4, below) for 1956 Thunderbird 312-cid w/ Overdrive (only)—personal luxury car
Special order parts kit, in a wooden crate
Hp increase from 225 to 260 hp
Torque increase from 317 lb-ft to not found
• 2 unique 4000 Holley Carburetors, R-1268, 4-bbl, "teapot"
• 1 2x4 aluminum Intake Manifold EDB-9425-C
• 2 high-compression Cylinder Heads ECZ-C, milled 0.060"
• 1 special-grind Camshaft EDB-6250-B, part no. B6A-6250-E, stamped "E,"
Cam lobe lift intake & exhaust 0.273"
Intake opens 22° BTDC @ 0.015" on exhaust stroke (piston moves upward)
Intake closes 58° ABDC @ 0.015" on compression stroke (piston moves upward)
Exhaust opens 58° BBDC @ 0.015" on power/combustion stroke (piston forced downward)
Exhaust closes 14° ATDC @ 0.015" on intake stroke (piston moves downward)
Intake opens 18° ATDC @ 0.100"
Intake closes 18° ABDC @ 0.100"
Exhaust opens 26° BBDC @ 0.100"
Exhaust closes 26° BTDC @ 0.100"
(BTDC = Before Top Dead Center, ABDC = After Bottom Dead Center, BBDC = Before Bottom Dead Center, ATDC = After Top Dead Center. Camshaft rotates once for every two rotations of the crankshaft)
• unique Valve Springs & Lifters
• 2 Auto Choke Hot Air Tube Systems
• 1 Distributor Recurve Kit
• 1 large round Red Air Cleaner, 2 studs w/ wingnuts, covers both carbs,
w/ "PUROLATOR DRY TYPE Micronic AIR FILTER" decal right side
• 1 large round Purolator Dry Type Micronic Air Filter
• Linkages, Brackets, Lines, Hardware, & Gaskets
• Instructions
Kits produced 103
Kit price Jul 6, 1956 $315.00 (dealership net)
Kit price Feb 4, 1957 $100.00 (dealership net), as is, subject to prior sale
Released by Production Service Letter P-311a, dated Jul 6, 1956
(Note: 1956 vehicle production year ended Aug 24, 1956)
K3 for 1956 Ford 312-cid cars w/ Conv Dr or Overdrive —police, NASCAR, & other
K3 (+ K4, below) for 1956 Thunderbird 312-cid w/ Overdrive (only)—personal luxury car
Special order parts kit, in a wooden crate
Hp increase from 225 to 260 hp
Torque increase from 317 lb-ft to not found
• 2 unique 4000 Holley Carburetors, R-1268, 4-bbl, "teapot"
• 1 2x4 aluminum Intake Manifold EDB-9425-C
• 2 high-compression Cylinder Heads ECZ-C, milled 0.060"
• 1 special-grind Camshaft EDB-6250-B, part no. B6A-6250-E, stamped "E,"
Cam lobe lift intake & exhaust 0.273"
Intake opens 22° BTDC @ 0.015" on exhaust stroke (piston moves upward)
Intake closes 58° ABDC @ 0.015" on compression stroke (piston moves upward)
Exhaust opens 58° BBDC @ 0.015" on power/combustion stroke (piston forced downward)
Exhaust closes 14° ATDC @ 0.015" on intake stroke (piston moves downward)
Intake opens 18° ATDC @ 0.100"
Intake closes 18° ABDC @ 0.100"
Exhaust opens 26° BBDC @ 0.100"
Exhaust closes 26° BTDC @ 0.100"
(BTDC = Before Top Dead Center, ABDC = After Bottom Dead Center, BBDC = Before Bottom Dead Center, ATDC = After Top Dead Center. Camshaft rotates once for every two rotations of the crankshaft)
• unique Valve Springs & Lifters
• 2 Auto Choke Hot Air Tube Systems
• 1 Distributor Recurve Kit
• 1 large round Red Air Cleaner, 2 studs w/ wingnuts, covers both carbs,
w/ "PUROLATOR DRY TYPE Micronic AIR FILTER" decal right side
• 1 large round Purolator Dry Type Micronic Air Filter
• Linkages, Brackets, Lines, Hardware, & Gaskets
• Instructions
Kits produced 103
Kit price Jul 6, 1956 $315.00 (dealership net)
Kit price Feb 4, 1957 $100.00 (dealership net), as is, subject to prior sale
#B6A-9000-B K4
K4 (+ K3, above) for 1956 Ford Thunderbird 312-cid eng w/ Overdrive
Special order parts kit
Hp increase from 215 or 225 to 260 hp
Torque increase from 317 lb-ft to not found
• 1 Shaft Assembly AH-9725-F
• 1 Hanger Assembly AH-99830-C
• 1 oval Air Cleaner EDB-9600-B, part no. B6A-9600-H, 2 studs w/ wingnuts, covers both carbs,
Argent color (chrome finish was not produced)
• 1 oval Air Filter, Ford EXP, dry-type
Kits produced 103
Kit price not found
Special order parts kit
Hp increase from 215 or 225 to 260 hp
Torque increase from 317 lb-ft to not found
• 1 Shaft Assembly AH-9725-F
• 1 Hanger Assembly AH-99830-C
• 1 oval Air Cleaner EDB-9600-B, part no. B6A-9600-H, 2 studs w/ wingnuts, covers both carbs,
Argent color (chrome finish was not produced)
• 1 oval Air Filter, Ford EXP, dry-type
Kits produced 103
Kit price not found
Classic Thunderbird Club International Gil Baumgartner, Authenticity Chairman, CTCI
Porthole Authority Y-Blocks Forever (Forum) The Ford Barn (Forum)
Ford Trucks (Forum) Jalopy Journal (Forum)
Curtis Turner NASCAR #26 312-cid engine powered 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner
Curtis Tuner was an American stock car racer with over 350 career wins in different racing series, including NASCAR. In 1956, he won 22 races in the NASCAR Convertible Series driving #26, a 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner, as well as winning the NASCAR Grand National Series 1956 Southern 500 driving #99, a 1956 Ford Customline Victoria.1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Clutches
(w/ Conventional Dr & Overdrive transmissions)
• 9-1/2-inch w/ Ford I-6
• 10-inch w/ Ford V-8, Thunderbird V-8, Thunderbird Special V-8, or Special Police Y-8
• 11-inch w/ Ford I-6 or Ford V-8 & "Standard Taxi Package" or "Deluxe Taxi Package" (Taxi models only)
• 11-inch w/ (Police) Interceptor Y-8 (Police & Emerg models only, & all Thunderbird cars)
Pedal free-travel 1-1/8 inch to 1-3/8 inch
"The Ford clutch for '56 is a semi-centrifugal type of single, dry-plate, cushion-disc construction. It has high torque-transmitting capacity, with pre-lubricated, sealed, ball-type throw-out bearing and oil impregnated, sintered bronze bushing for a pilot bearing." - All the Facts About The '56 Ford
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Transmissions
View "Shifting Gears" Owner's Manual
• Conventional Drive (manual 3-speed)
Not avail in Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Std, all other models
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), & Reverse
All-helical gears, forged bronze synchronizers
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
All-helical gears, forged bronze synchronizers
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
• Overdrive (manual 3-speed w/ auto planetary 4th-speed Overdrive)
Not avail in Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Opt, all other models
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), auto 4th-speed Overdrive (30% lower eng rpm than 3rd), & Reverse
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive lock-in/lock-out push-pull T-handle below control panel
Lock-in (engage) push in T-handle at any speed & let-up throttle pedal when above 27-28 mph (auto downshift to 3rd below 21-22 mph), or when car is stopped
Kick-down (to 3rd, for passing) floor throttle pedal, (let-up pedal to auto return to OD)
Lock-out (disengage) pull out T-handle in "kick-down" (3rd) operation, or when car is stopped
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive lock-in/lock-out push-pull T-handle below control panel
Lock-in (engage) push in T-handle at any speed & let-up throttle pedal when above 27-28 mph (auto downshift to 3rd below 21-22 mph), or when car is stopped
Kick-down (to 3rd, for passing) floor throttle pedal, (let-up pedal to auto return to OD)
Lock-out (disengage) pull out T-handle in "kick-down" (3rd) operation, or when car is stopped
• Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive (automatic 3-speed)
Std, Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Opt, all other models
Low (1st), Intermediate (2nd, Passing Gear), High (3rd), & Reverse
Automatic planetary gear train & single-stage 3-element hydralic-mechanical Torque Converter (oil cushion—no mechanical linkage between engine & drivetrain), no vacuum or electrical connections
Safety-sequence gear selector w/ illuminated indicator dial on steering column
Automatic planetary gear train & single-stage 3-element hydralic-mechanical Torque Converter (oil cushion—no mechanical linkage between engine & drivetrain), no vacuum or electrical connections
Safety-sequence gear selector w/ illuminated indicator dial on steering column
P Park
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
• start engine
DR Drive
• 2nd gear start-out, auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• 1st gear start-out at full-throttle (Speed-Trigger), auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• increase- or full-throttle-pedal kick-down to Passing Gear (2nd) (below 65-68 mph)
• increase- or full-throttle-pedal kick-down to 1st (below 18 mph)
LO Low
• 1st gear start-out & hold (up to 35 mph), auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected
• downshift to 2nd & hold (below 60 mph - engine braking)
• downshift to 1st & hold (below 17-23 mph - engine braking)
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
• start engine
DR Drive
• 2nd gear start-out, auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• 1st gear start-out at full-throttle (Speed-Trigger), auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• increase- or full-throttle-pedal kick-down to Passing Gear (2nd) (below 65-68 mph)
• increase- or full-throttle-pedal kick-down to 1st (below 18 mph)
LO Low
• 1st gear start-out & hold (up to 35 mph), auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected
• downshift to 2nd & hold (below 60 mph - engine braking)
• downshift to 1st & hold (below 17-23 mph - engine braking)
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Rear Axle Ratios (to 1)
Mainline, Customline, (incld Taxi) & Fairlane w/ opt Ford I-6
• 3:89 (opt 4.11) w/ std Conv Dr (incld)
• 4.11 (opt 3.89) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56) w/ opt Fordomatic Dr
Mainline & Customline w/ std Ford V-8 (incld Taxi) or opt Thunderbird V-8 &
Fairlane (except Fordor Victoria) w/ std Thunderbird V-8 or opt Thunderbird Special V-8
• 3:78 (opt 3.89) w/ std Conv Dr (incld)
• 3.89 (opt 3.78) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56)* w/ opt Fordomatic Dr
*opt 3.56 not avail w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8
Fairlane Fordor Victoria w/ std Thunderbird V-8 or opt Thunderbird Special V-8
• 3.22 (opt 3.56)* w/ Fordomatic Dr (only)
*opt 3.56 not avail w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8
Courier (Sedan Delivery) w/ std Ford I-6 or opt Thunderbird V-8 &
Station Wagon w/ opt Ford I-6 or std Thunderbird V-8
• 4.09 (opt 4.27) w/ std Conv Dr (incld)
• 4.27 (opt none) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.54 (opt none) w/ opt Fordomatic Dr
Station Wagon w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8
• 3.54 (opt none) w/ opt Fordomatic Dr (only)
View Police & Emergency Rear Axle Ratios
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Rims
Diameter 15 in Width 5 in (between flanges) Center Hole 2.840 in
Bolt Pattern 5 lug x 4.5 in (114.3 mm) (between centerpoint of one lug & far outside edge of an opposite lug)
Backspace 3 in (between hub mounting surface & inside edge outermost plain)
Offset 0 in (between hub mounting surface & centerline—positive, negative, or zero)
Material pressed steel (an iron & carbon alloy), outer rim welded to center Weight 19.95 lb
Finish baked on synthetic enamal paint, (lower) body color Part No. 1015-U-15x5
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Tires
Mainline & Customline
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6, Ford V-8, & Thunderbird V-8 - all drives
Customline Victoria
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6, Ford V-8 & Thunderbird V-8 - Conv Dr or Overdrive
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6 - Fordomatic Dr
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford V-8 & Thunderbird V-8 - Fordomatic Dr
Fairlane Club Sedan & Town Sedan
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6 & Thunderbird V-8 - all drives
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Thunderbird Special V-8 - Fordomatic Dr
Fairlane Victoria, Sunliner, Crown Victoria, & Crown Victoria Skyliner
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6 - all drives
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Thunderbird V-8 - Conv Dr or Overdrive
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Thunderbird V-8 & Thunderbird Special V-8 - Fordomatic Dr
Fairlane Fordor Victoria
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Thunderbird V-8 & Thunderbird Special V-8 - Fordomatic Dr
Ranch Wagon & Custom Ranch Wagon
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6 & Thunderbird V-8 - all drives
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Thunderbird Special V-8 - Fordomatic Dr
Parklane & 6-Pass Country Sedan
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6 & Thunderbird V-8 - all drives
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Thunderbird Special V-8 - Fordomatic Dr
8-Pass Country Sedan & Country Squire
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply tubeless bsw w/ Ford I-6, Thunderbird V-8, & Thunderbird Special V-8 - all drives
View Taxi Tires View Police & Emerg Tires View Courier Tires Opt White Sidewalls +$26.80
Opt SelectAire Conditioner requires a V-8 eng, Fordomatic Dr trans, & 7.10 x 15" tires - all models
Firestone Deluxe Champion bias 4-ply tubeless bsw tire specs (other brands' specs vary)
• 6.70 x 15" 15" dia x 5" w rim, 28.58" dia, 7.01" w sec, 4.50" w tread, 1,450 @ 32 psi lb max load, (2.6875" w white sidewall)
Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear, Station Wagons: 26 psi front & rear, Couriers: 23 psi front, 26 psi rear
• 7.10 x 15" 15" dia x 5" w rim, 28.88" dia, 7.70" w sec, 4.50" w tread, 1,550 @ 32 psi lb max load, (2.75" w white sidewall)
Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear, Station Wagons & Couriers: 26 psi front & rear (6-ply 25 psi front, 30 psi rear)
