1956 Ford Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) Y-block M-code eng w/ modern Holley 4160 carb.
Engines Clutches Transmissions Axles Rims Tires
PAGE INDEX Click links or scroll down
• Engines • Clutches • Transmissions • Rear Axle Ratios • Rims • Tires
• 312 CID HP Eng Kit • I-6 Tuneup & Oil • V-8 Tuneup & Oil • Service Parts • Wheel Alignment
• 312 CID HP Eng Kit • I-6 Tuneup & Oil • V-8 Tuneup & Oil • Service Parts • Wheel Alignment
NOTE Horsepower & torque ratings are "gross" under pre-1972 SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards—measured at the flywheel with the engine running on a dynamometer test stand without intake, exhaust, & equipment (like alternator) connected. 1972+ ratings are typically "net"—measured with the drag of intake, exhaust, & equipment attached (a lower rating). "Rear wheel" horsepower ratings reflect the drag of the whole drivetrain (a further lower rating).
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Engines
List of 1956 Engines & Prices View/Print PDF (here)
• 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 P-code* (w/ Fordomatic Dr only) mid model-year
*S-code in 65 cars (not Wagon) w/ Fordomatic Dr & 455 cars w/ Conv Dr, in place of Thunderbird V-8 292-cid
• 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 mid model-year
• "312 Cubic Inch High Power Engine Kit" 260-hp Jul 6, 1956
special-order high-performance parts to modify 312-cid eng for police, NASCAR, Thunderbird
NOTE 1956 standard engines are Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code (Mainline & Customline) & Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code (Fairlane & Stn Wagon).
Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp A-code, all drives
std Courier (Sedan Delivery) (incld)
optional Mainline & Customline $93.77 less than std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code
optional Fairlane & Stn Wagon $93.77 less than std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code
(not avail Fairlane Fordor Victoria)
6 cyl in-line 2 overhead-valve
Hp 137 @ 4000 rpm Torque 202 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm
CID 223 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.60" Main Bearings 4 Counterweights 9
Comp Ratio 8.0 to 1 Comp Press 150 psi sea level @ cranking speed
Carb Holley Single Jet (1-bbl) w/ manual choke Air Cleaner oil-bath type
Generator low-cut-in 30-amp Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust single Fuel reg
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 230 CID
Tuneup Specs I-6 (here)
Hp 137 @ 4000 rpm Torque 202 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm
CID 223 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.60" Main Bearings 4 Counterweights 9
Comp Ratio 8.0 to 1 Comp Press 150 psi sea level @ cranking speed
Carb Holley Single Jet (1-bbl) w/ manual choke Air Cleaner oil-bath type
Generator low-cut-in 30-amp Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust single Fuel reg
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 230 CID
Tuneup Specs I-6 (here)
Ford V-8 272-cid 173-hp (176-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) U-code, all drives
std Mainline & Customline (incld)
opt Courier (Sedan Delivery) +$93.77 over std Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp A-code
(not avail Fairlane & Stn 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 Comp 160 psi
Hp 176 @ 4400 rpm Torque 264 lb-ft @ 2400 prm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 165 psi w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 272 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearing 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Twin-Jet (2-bbl) w/ auto choke Air Cleaner oil-bath type
Fan 3-blade 18" dia, (Courier Sedan Delivery 4-blade 18-1/2" dia)
Generator low cut-in 30-amp Exhaust single (opt dual) Fuel reg
Block ECG-6015 Main Bearing Caps EBU Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECG-6090-H (Conv Dr & OD) or ECG-6090-R (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
Hp 173 @ 4400 rpm Torque 260 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 160 psi
Hp 176 @ 4400 rpm Torque 264 lb-ft @ 2400 prm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 165 psi w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 272 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearing 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Holley Twin-Jet (2-bbl) w/ auto choke Air Cleaner oil-bath type
Fan 3-blade 18" dia, (Courier Sedan Delivery 4-blade 18-1/2" dia)
Generator low cut-in 30-amp Exhaust single (opt dual) Fuel reg
Block ECG-6015 Main Bearing Caps EBU Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECG-6090-H (Conv Dr & OD) or ECG-6090-R (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-Code, all drives
std Fairlane & Stn Wagon (incld)
opt Mainline & Customline +$50 over std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code +$93.77
(not avail Courier)
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 Comp 155 psi
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi 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
Air Cleaner low-restruction oil-bath Generator low cut-in 30-amp
Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg (prem for max performance)
Blocks ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), ECZ-6015-A or
ECZ-6015-B Main Bearing Caps EBU Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), or
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi 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
Air Cleaner low-restruction oil-bath Generator low cut-in 30-amp
Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg (prem for max performance)
Blocks ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), ECZ-6015-A or
ECZ-6015-B Main Bearing Caps EBU Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), or
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp P-code (or S-code*)
(w/ Fordomatic Dr only) mid model-year
*Installed as "S" code in 65 cars (not Wagons) w/ Fordomatic Dr and 455 cars w/ Conv Dr, in place of Thunderbird V-8 292-cid M-code. Rocker covers incorrectly state "Thunderbird V-8" (instead of "Thunderbird Special V-8"). Therefore, identification is by "S" (instead of "P")—1st letter of serial number—and a 2-inch-square daub of yellow paint on front of engine. Tech Service Bulletin (here).
$100 over std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code +$93.77
opt 8-Pass Country Sedan & Country Squire
plus reqd equip $100 + Fordomatic Dr $178.20 = $278.20
opt Club Sedan, Town Sedan, Ranch Wagon, Custom Ranch Wagon, Parklane, & 6-Pass Country Sedan
plus reqd equip $100 + Fordomatic Dr $178.20 + 7.10 x 15" tires $20 = $298.20
(not avail Mainline & Customline)
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 Comp 160 psi w/ Overdrive (Thunderbird only)
Hp 225 @ 4600 rpm Torque 324 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 9.0 to 1 Comp 165 psi 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 Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath
Generator low-cut-in 30-amp Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both Main Bearing Caps ECZ Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize bore 0.040" + 3.80" = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi w/ Overdrive (Thunderbird only)
Hp 225 @ 4600 rpm Torque 324 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 9.0 to 1 Comp 165 psi 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 Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath
Generator low-cut-in 30-amp Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B both Main Bearing Caps ECZ Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize bore 0.040" + 3.80" = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
Special Police Y-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-code, all drives
opt Police & Emerg Stn Wagon +$50 [est] over std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code +$93.77
opt Police & Emerg Mainline & Customline +$100 [est] over std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code +$93.77
(not avail to public)
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 Comp 155 psi
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi 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
Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), or
ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Main Bearing Caps EBU Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), or
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" bore = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
SPECIAL EQUIP INCLD low-restriction oil-bath air cleaner, dual exhaust (Mainline & Customline), & reg fuelHp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi
Hp 202 @ 4600 rpm Torque 289 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi 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
Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath
Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), or
ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Main Bearing Caps EBU Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), or
ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" bore = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
(Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid
210-hp (215-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) P-code, all drives mid model-year
(not avail to public)
opt Police & Emerg Stn Wagon +$200 [est] over std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code +$93.77
opt Police & Emerg Mainline & Customline +$250 [est] over std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code +$93.77
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 Comp 155 psi
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi 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 Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath
Generator low-cut-in 30-amp Fan 3-blade 18" high-speed Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Main Bearing Caps ECZ Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.80" bore = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
SPECIAL EQUIP INCLDHp 210 @ 4600 rpm Torque 312 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi 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 Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath
Generator low-cut-in 30-amp Fan 3-blade 18" high-speed Exhaust dual Fuel reg
Blocks ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Main Bearing Caps ECZ Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.80" bore = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
Tuneup Specs V-8 (here)
• heavy-duty rad w/ lrg 20-qt U.S. coolant capacity( 21-qt w/ heater) • extra-cooling high-speed fan
• diaphragm-type mech fuel pump w/ vacuum-booster for wipers • lrg low-restriction oil-bath air cleaner
• heavy-duty 11" clutch (Conv Dr or OD) • lrg Fordomatic Dr fluid capacity 10.25 qt U.S.
• dual exhaust • reg fuel
MAINLINE & CUSTONLINE
• heavy-duty front coil & rear leaf springs • special brake linings
• rear gear rations (to 1) Conv Dr 3.73, OD 3.92, & Fordomatic Dr 3.54 (opt 3.31)
"312 CUBIC INCH HIGH POWER ENGINE KIT" 260-hp Jul 6, 1956
special-order high-performance parts to modify the 312-cid eng for police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, etc.
production 103 kits supplied in wooden crates not factory installed
Ford part #B6A-9000-B K3 Thunderbird parts #B6A-9000-B K3 & #B6A-9000-B K4
NOTE Kits do not include the 1955-57 Thunderbird dress-up aluminum valve covers shown in photos.
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)
Ford part #B6A-9000-B K3
Thunderbird parts #B6A-9000-B K3 & #B6A-9000-B K4 (both required)
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 high-performance parts to modify the 312-cid eng for police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, etc.
production 103 kits supplied in wooden crates not factory installed
Ford part #B6A-9000-B K3 Thunderbird parts #B6A-9000-B K3 & #B6A-9000-B K4
NOTE Kits do not include the 1955-57 Thunderbird dress-up aluminum valve covers shown in photos.
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)
Ford part #B6A-9000-B K3
To modify Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid P-code eng (w/ Conv Dr or Overdrive)
210/215/225- to 260-hp 324 to 344 lb-ft torque
• 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 #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, covers both carbs, 2 studs & wingnuts,
right side decal w/ script "PUROLATOR DRY TYPE Micronic AIR FILTER"
• 1 large round Purolator Dry Type Micronic Air Filter
• Linkages, Brackets, Lines, Hardware, & Gaskets
• Instructions
Kit part #B6A-9000-B K3 production 103, price $315, Jul 6, 1956
Surplus reduced to $100, as is, subject to prior sale, Feb 4, 1957
210/215/225- to 260-hp 324 to 344 lb-ft torque
• 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 #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, covers both carbs, 2 studs & wingnuts,
right side decal w/ script "PUROLATOR DRY TYPE Micronic AIR FILTER"
• 1 large round Purolator Dry Type Micronic Air Filter
• Linkages, Brackets, Lines, Hardware, & Gaskets
• Instructions
Kit part #B6A-9000-B K3 production 103, price $315, Jul 6, 1956
Surplus reduced to $100, as is, subject to prior sale, Feb 4, 1957
Thunderbird parts #B6A-9000-B K3 & #B6A-9000-B K4 (both required)
To modify Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid P-code eng (for Overdrive)
215/225-hp to 260-hp 317 or 324 to 344 lb-ft torque
• 1 Shaft Assembly AH-9725-F
• 1 Hanger Assembly AH-99830-C
• 1 oval Argent (Silver) color Air Cleaner EDB-9600-B, part #B6A-9600-H
covers both carbs, 2 studs & wingnuts, painted finish (chrome finish was not produced by Ford)
• 1 oval Air Filter Ford EXP, dry-type
Kit part #B6A-9000-B K4, production not found, price not found, Jul 6, 1956
215/225-hp to 260-hp 317 or 324 to 344 lb-ft torque
• 1 Shaft Assembly AH-9725-F
• 1 Hanger Assembly AH-99830-C
• 1 oval Argent (Silver) color Air Cleaner EDB-9600-B, part #B6A-9600-H
covers both carbs, 2 studs & wingnuts, painted finish (chrome finish was not produced by Ford)
• 1 oval Air Filter Ford EXP, dry-type
Kit part #B6A-9000-B K4, production not found, price not found, Jul 6, 1956
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 several 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 Thunderbirds)
Pedal free-travel 1-1/8" to 1-3/8"
"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
• 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 T-handle below instrument panel, push to lock-in, pull to lock-out
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 T-handle below instrument panel, push to lock-in, pull to lock-out
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
Designed by Warner Gear Division, Borg Warner Corporation
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, cast iron case
SMALL CASE, steel impeller
• '55-57 I-6-1V 223-cid • '55 V-8-2V & 4V 272-cid • '56-57 V-8-2V 272-cid
• '56 V-8-4V 292-cid • '56-57 V-8-4V 312-cid (not Ford [Police] Interceptor, Stn Wgn, T-Bird)
MEDIUM CASE
• '55 V-8-4V 292-cid (steel impeller)
• '56 V-8-4V 312-cid (Ford [Police] Interceptor, Stn Wgn, T-Bird, steel or alum impeller)
Low (1st), Intermediate (2nd, Passing Gear), High (3rd), & Reverse
5-Possition Safety-Sequence Selector w/ illuminated indicator dial on steering column
P (Park)
R (Reverse)
N (Neutral)
• start engine
DR (Drive)
• start-out in 2nd & auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• start-out full-throttle in 1st (Speed-Trigger) & auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to Passing Gear (2nd) (below 65-68 mph & above 17-23 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to 1st (below 17-23 mph)
LO (Low)
• start-out in 1st & hold (up to 35 mph), (auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected)
• downshift to 2nd & hold (below 60 mph & above 17-23 mph - engine braking)
• downshift to 1st & hold (below 17-23 mph - engine braking)
Adjust bands & change fluid every 15,000 miles—original Type A, modern DEXTRON® IIIR (Reverse)
N (Neutral)
• start engine
DR (Drive)
• start-out in 2nd & auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• start-out full-throttle in 1st (Speed-Trigger) & auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to Passing Gear (2nd) (below 65-68 mph & above 17-23 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to 1st (below 17-23 mph)
LO (Low)
• start-out in 1st & hold (up to 35 mph), (auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected)
• downshift to 2nd & hold (below 60 mph & above 17-23 mph - engine braking)
• downshift to 1st & hold (below 17-23 mph - engine braking)
Fluid Capacity 9.25 qt (I-6), 9.75 qt (V-8), 10.25 qt US (Police Interceptor Y-8)
Operation, "Shifting Gears" Owner's Manual Pages 12-15 (here)
Specs & Parts, AutoTran Vintage Automatic Transmission (here)
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Rear Axle Ratios (to 1)
Semi-floating type w/ hypoid gears
Sedans & Coupes: pressed steel banjo-type housing
Station Wagons: composite housing
Mainline & Customline (incld Taxi) & Fairlane Ford I-6
• Std Conv Dr - 3:89 (opt 4.11) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 4.11 (opt 3.89)
• Opt Fordomatic Dr - 3.22 (opt 3.56)
Mainline & Customline (incld Taxi) Ford V-8 & Thunderbird V-8 &
Fairlane (except Fordor Victoria) Thunderbird V-8 & Thunderbird Special V-8
• Std Conv Dr - 3:78 (opt 3.89) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 3.89 (opt 3.78)
• Opt Fordomatic Dr - 3.22 (opt 3.56)*
*opt 3.56 not avail w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8
Fairlane Fordor Victoria Thunderbird V-8 & Thunderbird Special V-8
• Fordomatic Dr (only) - 3.22 (opt 3.56)*
*opt 3.56 not avail w/ opt Thunderbird Special V-8
Station Wagon & Courier (Sedan Delivery) Ford I-6 & Thunderbird V-8
• Std conv Dr - 4.09 (opt 4.27) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 4.27 (opt none)
• Opt Fordomatic Dr - 3.54 (opt none)
Station Wagon Thunderbird Special V-8
• Opt Fordomatic Dr (only) - 3.54 (opt none)
Police & Emergency Rear Axle Ratios (here)
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
Original Suggested Retail Prices - City of Buffalo, Ford Buffalo Sales District
Mainline & Customline
Ford 1-6, Ford V-8, & Thunderbird V-8 – all drives
• Std 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $35
Customline Victoria
Ford I-6, Ford V-8, & Thunderbird V-8 – Conv Dr or Overdrive
• Std 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $35
Ford V-8 & Thunderbird V-8 – Fordomatic Dr
• Std 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $40
Fairlane Club Sedan & Town Sedan
Ford I-6 & Thunderbird V-8 – all drives
• Std 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $35
Thunderbird Special V-8 – Fordomatic Dr
• Std 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $40
Fairlane Victoria, Crown Victoria, Crown Victoria Skyliner, & Sunliner
Ford I-6 – all drives
• Std 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $35
Thunderbird V-8 – Conv Dr or Overdrive
• Std 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $35
Thunderbird V-8 & Thunderbird Special V-8 – Fordomatic Dr
• Std 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $40
Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Thunderbird V-8 & Thunderbird Special V-8 – Fordomatic Dr (only)
• Std 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $40
Ranch Wagon (2 dr, 6 pass), Custom Ranch Wagon (2 dr, 6 pass),
Parklane (2 dr, 6 pass), & 6-Passenger Country Sedan (4 dr, 6 pass)
Ford I-6 & Thunderbird V-8 – all drives
• Std 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 6.70 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $35
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless $20
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $50
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 6-ply BSW tubeless $55
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 6-ply WSW tubeless $90
Thunderbird Special V-8 – Fordomatic Dr
• Std 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $50
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 6-ply BSW tubeless $55
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 6-ply WSW tubeless $90
8-Passenger Country Sedan (4 dr, 8 pass) & Country Squire (4 dr, 8 pass)
Ford I-6, Thunderbird V-8, & Thunderbird Special V-8 – all drives
• Std 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply BSW tubeless (incld)
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 4-ply WSW tubeless $40
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 6-ply BSW tubeless $40
• Opt 7.10 x 15 bias 6-ply WSW tubeless $75
Taxi Tires (here) Police & Emerg Tires (here) Courier Tires (here)
NOTE Opt SelectAire Conditioner requires V-8 eng, Fordomatic Dr, & 7.10 x 15" tires, all
Firestone Deluxe Champion bias 4-ply BSW tubeless specs (other brands' specs may vary)
• 6.70 x 15" 15" x 5" rim, 28.58" dia, 7.01" sec, 4.50" tread, 1,450 lb max load @ 32 psi, (opt 2.6875" wide WSW)
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" x 5" rim, 28.88" dia, 7.70" sec, 4.50" tread, 1,550 lb max load @ 32 psi, (opt 2.75" wide WSW)
Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear Station Wagons & Couriers: 26 psi front & rear (6-ply 25 psi front, 30 psi rear)
