
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


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)