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1956 Ford Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 202-hp (w/ Fordomatic Dr) Y-block engine w/ modern 4160 Holley carburetor.
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-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) #B6A-9000-B K3 & K4 late-year
Special order parts for the 312-cid eng—Police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, & other, 103 kits produced 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, all Mainline & Customline, w/ all drives
Opt, all 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, all Fairlane & Station Wagon, w/ all drives
Opt, all 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
Opt, all Fairlane & Station Wagon, w/ Fordomatic Dr (only) introduced mid-year
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, all Police & Emergency Station Wagon, w/ all drives
Opt, all 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, all 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 rear1-2-3-4-5-6 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) 475-500 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 = 0.946353 liter)
Eng oil viscosity grade 20 above 30°F 10 from 32°F to -10°F 5 below -10°F
Air Cleaner oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F 10 below 32°F
Oil Press 45-50 psi (hot @ 2000 rpm)
Thermostat 160°F 180°F (high temp)
Coolant Capacity 14.5 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 15.5 qt US Rad Cap 13 psi
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Sedans) 19 gal US (Station Wagons & Courier)
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) 475-500 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 = 0.946353 liter)
Eng oil viscosity grade 20 above 30°F 10 from 32°F to -10°F 5 below -10°F
Air Cleaner oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F 10 below 32°F
Oil Press 45-50 psi (hot @ 2000 rpm)
Thermostat 160°F 180°F (high temp)
Coolant Capacity 14.5 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 15.5 qt US Rad Cap 13 psi
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Sedans) 19 gal US (Station Wagons & Courier)
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-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/ vacuum hose to distributor disconnected Clockwise advance
Idle Spd 475-500 rpm (Conv Dr & OD) 475-500 rpm (Fordomatic Dr, 425-450 rpm in "DR")
Thermostat 160°F 180°F (high temp)
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 Press 45-50 psi @ 2000 rpm (hot)
Oil Capacity 5 qt (eng) + 1 qt (filter) = 6 qt US (1 qt US = 0.946353 liter)
Eng oil viscosity grade 20 above 30°F 10 from 32°F to -10°F 5 below -10°F
Air Cleaner oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F 10 below 32°F
Coolant Capacity 19 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 20 qt US Rad Cap 13 psi
Coolant Capacity w/ (Police) Interceptor eng 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
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Cars) 19 gal US (Station Wagons & Courier)
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/ vacuum hose to distributor disconnected Clockwise advance
Idle Spd 475-500 rpm (Conv Dr & OD) 475-500 rpm (Fordomatic Dr, 425-450 rpm in "DR")
Thermostat 160°F 180°F (high temp)
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 Press 45-50 psi @ 2000 rpm (hot)
Oil Capacity 5 qt (eng) + 1 qt (filter) = 6 qt US (1 qt US = 0.946353 liter)
Eng oil viscosity grade 20 above 30°F 10 from 32°F to -10°F 5 below -10°F
Air Cleaner oil viscosity grade 30 above 32°F 10 below 32°F
Coolant Capacity 19 qt (rad) + 1 qt (heater) = 20 qt US Rad Cap 13 psi
Coolant Capacity w/ (Police) Interceptor eng 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
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 gal US (Cars) 19 gal US (Station Wagons & Courier)
"312 CUBIC INCH HIGH POWER ENGINE KIT" 260-hp late production-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 eng & 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 eng & 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 eng & 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 eng & 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 originally applied to the '55 Ford "Special V-8" 272-cid 182-hp M-code eng—recognized by its 4-bbl carb & dual exhaust)
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
Intake closes 58° ABDC @ 0.015" on compression stroke
Exhaust opens 58° BBDC @ 0.015" on power stroke (piston forced downward)
Exhaust closes 14° ATDC @ 0.015" on intake stroke
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
Intake closes 58° ABDC @ 0.015" on compression stroke
Exhaust opens 58° BBDC @ 0.015" on power stroke (piston forced downward)
Exhaust closes 14° ATDC @ 0.015" on intake stroke
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 Transmissions View "Shifting Gears" Owner's Manual
• Conventional Drive (3-speed manual transmission)
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 (3-speed manual w/ auto planetary 4th-speed gear transmission)
Not avail in Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Opt, all other models
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), 4th (auto Overdrive, 30% lower eng rpm than 3rd), & Reverse
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive T-handle below control panel
Engage OD in 3rd at any speed push in T-handle & let-up throttle,
auto cut-in at any speed above 27-28 mph, auto cut-out (return to 3rd) below 21-22 mph
Cut-out OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd (passing, hill climbing),
(throttle let-up returns OD)
"Lock out" OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd & pull out T-handle,
or when not driving in OD - or stopped - pull out T-handle
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive T-handle below control panel
Engage OD in 3rd at any speed push in T-handle & let-up throttle,
auto cut-in at any speed above 27-28 mph, auto cut-out (return to 3rd) below 21-22 mph
Cut-out OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd (passing, hill climbing),
(throttle let-up returns OD)
"Lock out" OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd & pull out T-handle,
or when not driving in OD - or stopped - pull out T-handle
• Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive (3-speed automatic transmission)
Std, Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Opt, all other models
Low (1st), Intermediate (2nd, Passing), High (3rd), & Reverse
Automatic planetary gear train & single-stage 3-element hydralic-mechanical Torque Converter (oil cushion—no mechanical linkage between engine & drive train, 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 & drive train, 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
• take-offs in 2nd, auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• full-throttle take-offs in 1st (Speed-Trigger), auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• increase- or full-throttle kick-downs to 2nd (passing gear) below 65-68 mph
• increase- or full-throttle kick-downs to 1st below 18 mph
LO Low
• take-offs in 1st & hold up to 35 mph (auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected)
• downshifts to 2nd & hold below 60 mph (engine braking)
• downshifts to 1st & hold below 17-23 mph (engine braking
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
• start engine
DR Drive
• take-offs in 2nd, auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• full-throttle take-offs in 1st (Speed-Trigger), auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• increase- or full-throttle kick-downs to 2nd (passing gear) below 65-68 mph
• increase- or full-throttle kick-downs to 1st below 18 mph
LO Low
• take-offs in 1st & hold up to 35 mph (auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected)
• downshifts to 2nd & hold below 60 mph (engine braking)
• downshifts to 1st & hold below 17-23 mph (engine braking
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Clutch
(w/ Conventional Drive & Overdrive transmissions)
• 9-1/2-inch w/ Ford I-6
• 10-inch w/ Ford V-8, Thunderbird V-8, Thunderbird Special V-8, & Special Police Y-8
• 11-inch w/ (Police) Interceptor V-8 & 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 Rear Axle Ratios (to 1)
Mainline, Customline, & Fairlane
w/ opt Ford I-6 223-cid eng
• 3:89 (opt 4.11) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 4.11 (opt 3.89) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Mainline & Customline
w/ std Ford V-8 272-cid eng
or opt Thunderbird V-8 292-cid eng
• 3:78 (opt 3.89) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 3.89 (opt 3.78) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Fairlane
w/ std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid eng
or opt Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid eng
• 3:78 (opt 3.89) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 3.89 (opt 3.78) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56)* w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive (std on Fairlane Fordor Victoria)
*opt 3.56 not avail w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid P-code
Station Wagon & Courier w/ all engs
• 4.09 (opt 4.27) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 4.27 (opt none) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.54 (opt none) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Police & Emergency Mainline & Customline
w/ opt Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp
• 3:89 (opt 4.11) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 4.11 (opt 3.89) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Police & Emergency Mainline & Customline
w/ std Ford V-8 272-cid U-code
or opt Special Police V-8 292-cid
• 3:78 (opt 3.89) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 3.89 (opt 3.78) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.22 (opt 3.56) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Police & Emergency Mainline & Customline
w/ opt (Police) Interceptor V-8 312-cid
• 3:73 (opt none) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 3.92 (opt none) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.54 (opt 3.31) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Police & Emergency Station Wagon w/ all engines
• 4.09 (opt 4.27) w/ std Conventional Drive (incld)
• 4.27 (opt none) w/ opt Overdrive
• 3.54 (opt none) w/ opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
