1956 Ford Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp 4-bbl dual-exh Y-block P-code (or S-code) eng (w/ Fordomatic Dr only) mid model-year
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 Brake horsepower (bhp) commonly stated as horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft tq) ratings are "gross" under pre-1972 SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards—measured at the flywheel with the engine running on a dyno (dynamometer) test stand without connected equipment. 1972+ ratings are typically "net"—measured with the drag of intake, exhaust, & other equipment (like alternator) connected (a lower rating). "Rear wheel" hp & torque ratings reflect whole drive-train drag (a further lower rating).—Editor
1956 Ford Car & Station Wagon Engines
• Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp 1-bbl single-exh A-code
• Ford V-8 272-cid 173-hp (176-hp w/ Fordomatic) 2-bbl single-exh (opt dual) U-code
• Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic) 4-bbl dual-exh M-code
• Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp 4-bbl dual-exh P-code (w/ Fordomatic only) (or S-code*) mid model-year
*S-code in 65 cars w/ Fordomatic & 455 cars w/ Conv Dr in place of Thunderbird V-8 292-cid M-code
• Special Police Y-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic) 4-bbl dual-exh M-code (HD equip incld)
• (Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 210-hp (215-hp w/ Fordomatic) 4-bbl dual-exh P-code (HD equip incld) mid model-year
• "312 Cubic Inch High Power Engine Kit" 260-hp Jul 6, 1956 (late model-year)
special-order HP parts to modify the V-8 312-cid eng for police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, & public not factory installed
Engine Prices, Specs, Tuneup, & Oil Change - download a print-ready 11-page PDF (here)
Ford I-6 223-cid 137-hp A-code, all drives
standard Courier (Sedan Delivery) (incld in I-6 Courier price)
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 @ 4200 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 Single Jet (1-bbl) Holley 1904, 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
I-6 Tuneup Specs (here)
Hp 137 @ 4200 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 Single Jet (1-bbl) Holley 1904, 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
Ford V-8 272-cid 173-hp (176-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) U-code, all drives
std Mainline & Customline (incld in V-8 vehicle price)
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") solid valve lifters Y-Block
Hp 173 @ 4400 rpm Torque 260 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 160 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
Hp 176 @ 4400 rpm Torque 264 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm 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 Twin-Jet (2-bbl) Holley 2110, auto choke Air Cleaner oil-bath type
Fan 3-blade 18" dia, all except Courier (Sedan Delivery) 4-blade 18-1/2" dia
Generator low cut-in 30-amp Exhaust single (opt dual) Fuel reg
Block ECG-6015 Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECG-6090-H (Conv Dr & OD) or ECG-6090-R (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps EBU
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
V-8 Tuneup Specs (here)
Hp 173 @ 4400 rpm Torque 260 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 160 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
Hp 176 @ 4400 rpm Torque 264 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm 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 Twin-Jet (2-bbl) Holley 2110, auto choke Air Cleaner oil-bath type
Fan 3-blade 18" dia, all except Courier (Sedan Delivery) 4-blade 18-1/2" dia
Generator low cut-in 30-amp Exhaust single (opt dual) Fuel reg
Block ECG-6015 Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECG-6090-H (Conv Dr & OD) or ECG-6090-R (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps EBU
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200-hp (202-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) M-Code, all drives
std Fairlane & stn wagon (incld in V-8 vehicle price)
opt Mainline & Customline $50 over std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code
(not avail Courier)
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") solid valve lifters Y-Block
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke (NOTE Holley 4000 carbs for 1956 V-8 292 & 312 Ford, Thunderbird, & Mercury will interchange - Parts Locator, Jim O'Clair)
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath Generator low cut-in 30-amp
Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg (prem for max performance)
Block ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps EBU
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
V-8 Tuneup Specs (here)
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke (NOTE Holley 4000 carbs for 1956 V-8 292 & 312 Ford, Thunderbird, & Mercury will interchange - Parts Locator, Jim O'Clair)
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath Generator low cut-in 30-amp
Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust dual Fuel reg (prem for max performance)
Block ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps EBU
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
Thunderbird Special V-8 312-cid 225-hp P-code (Fordomatic Dr only) (or S-code*)
mid model-year (NOTE Thunderbird model V-8 has 215-hp w/ Overdrive or 225-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr)
*An anomaly—an S-code eng in some 1956 Fairlane, Customline, and Mainline, (65 w/ Fordomatic Dr and 455 w/ Conv Dr), in place of the Thunderbird V-8 292-cid M-code eng. Rocker covers incorrectly state "Thunderbird V-8" (instead of "Thunderbird Special V-8"). Identification is by an "S" (instead of a "P") as the 1st letter of the serial number and a 2-inch-square daub of yellow heat resisting paint on the eng front. Tech Service Bulletin (here)
$100 over std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code
opt Fairlane Club & Town Sedan, Ranch Wgn, Custom Ranch Wgn, Parklane, & 6-Pass Country Sedan
plus required Fordomatic Dr $178.20 + 7.10 x 15" tires $20 = $298.20 Total
opt Fairlane Vic, Fordor Vic, Crown Vic, Crown Vic Skyliner, 8-Pass Country Sedan, & Country Squire
plus required Fordomatic Dr $178.20 = $278.20 Total (7.10 x 15" tires incld)
(not avail Mainline, Customline, or Courier)
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") solid valve lifters Y-Block
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi w/ OD (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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath
Generator low cut-in 30-amp Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Block ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps ECZ
Bore max allow oversize bore 0.040" + 3.80" = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
V-8 Tuneup Specs (here)
Hp 215 @ 4600 rpm Torque 317 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.4 to 1 Comp 160 psi w/ OD (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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath
Generator low cut-in 30-amp Fan 4-blade 18.5" dia Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Block ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps ECZ
Bore max allow oversize bore 0.040" + 3.80" = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
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
opt Police & Emerg Mainline & Customline $100 [est] over std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code
(not avail Fairlane, not offered to public)
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") solid valve lifters Y-Block
Hp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath
Exhaust dual (stn wagon)
Block ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps EBU
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" bore = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
SPECIAL EQUIP INCLDHp 200 @ 4600 rpm Torque 285 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath
Exhaust dual (stn wagon)
Block ECK-6015 or EDB-6015-A (Dearborn foundry), ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads EDB-6090-B or ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD), ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps EBU
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" bore = 3.79" bore = 298 CID
• 4-blade 18.5" dia fan • dual exhaust (Mainline & Customline) • reg fuel use
V-8 Tuneup Specs (here)
(Police) Interceptor Y-8 312-cid 210-hp (215-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) P-code, all drives
mid model-year
opt Police & Emerg stn wagon $200 [est] over std Thunderbird V-8 292-cid 200/202-hp M-code
opt Police & Emerg Mainline & Customline $250 [est] over std Ford V-8 272-cid 173/176-hp U-code
(not offered to public)
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve (int 1.78," exh 1.51") solid valve lifters Y-Block
Hp 210 @ 4600 rpm Torque 312 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath
Fan 3-blade 18" high-speed Exhaust dual (stn wagon)
Block ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps ECZ
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.80" bore = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
SPECIAL EQUIP INCLDHp 210 @ 4600 rpm Torque 312 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.0 to 1 Comp 155 psi w/ Conv Dr or OD
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 Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, auto choke
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath
Fan 3-blade 18" high-speed Exhaust dual (stn wagon)
Block ECZ-6015-A or ECZ-6015-B Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECZ-6090-B (Conv Dr & OD) or ECZ-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Main Bearing Caps ECZ
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.80" bore = 3.84" bore = 319 CID
• heavy-duty rad w/ large 20 qt US coolant capacity (21 qt US w/ heater)
• extra-cooling high-speed fan • diaphragm-type mech fuel pump w/ vacuum-booster for wipers
• heavy-duty 11" clutch (Conv Dr & OD) • generator low cut-in 40-amp
• Fordomatic Dr large fluid capacity 10.25 qt US • reg fuel use
MAINLINE & CUSTONLINE
• heavy-duty front coil & rear leaf springs • special brake linings • dual exhaust
• rear gear rations (to 1) Conv Dr 3.73, Overdrive 3.92, & Fordomatic Dr 3.54 (opt 3.31)
V-8 Tuneup Specs (here)
• extra-cooling high-speed fan • diaphragm-type mech fuel pump w/ vacuum-booster for wipers
• heavy-duty 11" clutch (Conv Dr & OD) • generator low cut-in 40-amp
• Fordomatic Dr large fluid capacity 10.25 qt US • reg fuel use
MAINLINE & CUSTONLINE
• heavy-duty front coil & rear leaf springs • special brake linings • dual exhaust
• rear gear rations (to 1) Conv Dr 3.73, Overdrive 3.92, & Fordomatic Dr 3.54 (opt 3.31)
"312 CUBIC INCH HIGH POWER ENGINE KIT" 260-hp late model-year
Commonly called "Race Kit," or incorrectly "Power Pack"
Released by Production Service Letter P-311a, Jul 6, 1956 (vehicle production-year ended Aug 24, 1956)
Special-order high-performance parts to modify the V-8 312-cid eng for police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, & public
210/215/225-hp to 260-hp 317/324 lb-ft torque to 344 lb-ft torque
Production 103 kits supplied in wooden crates not factory installed
1956 Ford #B6A-9000-B K3 (Conv Dr or Overdrive) (not incld '55-'57 Thunderbird valve covers in photo)
Price $315 Jul 6, 1956; surplus reduced to $100 Feb 4, 1957, as is, subject to prior sale
1956 Ford Thunderbird #B6A-9000-B K3 plus Ford #B6A-9000-B K4 (both required)
Price [not found by editor]
Kits 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)
Commonly called "Race Kit," or incorrectly "Power Pack"
Released by Production Service Letter P-311a, Jul 6, 1956 (vehicle production-year ended Aug 24, 1956)
Special-order high-performance parts to modify the V-8 312-cid eng for police, NASCAR, Thunderbird, & public
210/215/225-hp to 260-hp 317/324 lb-ft torque to 344 lb-ft torque
Production 103 kits supplied in wooden crates not factory installed
1956 Ford #B6A-9000-B K3 (Conv Dr or Overdrive) (not incld '55-'57 Thunderbird valve covers in photo)
Price $315 Jul 6, 1956; surplus reduced to $100 Feb 4, 1957, as is, subject to prior sale
• 2 unique Holley 4000 (4-bbl) Carburetors, #R-1268
• 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 Re-curve Kit
• 1 large round red Air Cleaner, covers both carbs, 2 studs & wingnuts, right side decal
w/ "PUROLATOR DRY TYPE Micronic AIR FILTER" script
• 1 large round Purolator Dry Type Micronic Air Filter
• Linkages, Brackets, Lines, Hardware, & Gaskets
• Instructions
• 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 Re-curve Kit
• 1 large round red Air Cleaner, covers both carbs, 2 studs & wingnuts, right side decal
w/ "PUROLATOR DRY TYPE Micronic AIR FILTER" script
• 1 large round Purolator Dry Type Micronic Air Filter
• Linkages, Brackets, Lines, Hardware, & Gaskets
• Instructions
Price [not found by editor]
• 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
• 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
Kits 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)
Curtis Turner NASCAR #26 & #99 w/ "312 CUBIC INCH HIGH POWER ENGINE KIT" 260-hp
Curtis Tuner was an American stock car racer with over 350 career wins in several racing series including NASCAR. Turner, in 1956, for Pete DePaolo's Ford factory team, in the NASCAR Grand National Convertible Series, driving in 42 of the 47 events, won 22 of them (including 9 of the final 11 races), with a ’56 Ford Fairlane Sunliner #26.
He also won the NASCAR Grand National Series 1956 Southern 500 driving a '56 Ford Customline Victoria #99.1956 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)
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-lubericated, 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
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
● Overdrive (manual 3-speed w/ auto planetary 4th-spd Overdrive)
Not avail in Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Opt, all other models
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), auto 4th gear (30% lower eng rpm than 3rd), & Reverse
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive push/pull T-handle below instrument panel
Lock-in (engage OD) push in T-handle when car is stopped or at any speed & let-up throttle pedal when above 27-28 mph, (auto disengage & downshift to 3rd below 21-22 mph)
Kick-down (to 3rd, for hill climbing or passing) floor throttle pedal, (let-up pedal to auto return to OD)
Lock-out (disengage OD) pull out T-handle when car is stopped or in "kick down (3rd) operation
Overdrive push/pull T-handle below instrument panel
Lock-in (engage OD) push in T-handle when car is stopped or at any speed & let-up throttle pedal when above 27-28 mph, (auto disengage & downshift to 3rd below 21-22 mph)
Kick-down (to 3rd, for hill climbing or passing) floor throttle pedal, (let-up pedal to auto return to OD)
Lock-out (disengage OD) pull out T-handle when car is stopped or in "kick down (3rd) operation
● 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 hydraulic-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) car can be towed up to 12 miles at under 40 mph, otherwise with rear wheels raised
• start engine
DR (Drive)
• start-out in 2nd & auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• start-out at full-throttle in 1st (Speed-Trigger) & auto up-shifts 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 up-shifts 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® IIIP (Park)
R (Reverse)
N (Neutral) car can be towed up to 12 miles at under 40 mph, otherwise with rear wheels raised
• start engine
DR (Drive)
• start-out in 2nd & auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• start-out at full-throttle in 1st (Speed-Trigger) & auto up-shifts 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 up-shifts 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 center-point 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 enamel 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 white sidewall),
• Modern Metric Radial 195R x 15" (white sidewall widths of 2-1/2 to 2-11/16" are appropriate)
• Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear Stn 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 white sidewall),
• Modern Metric Radial 205R x 15" (white sidewall widths of 2-1/2 to 2-11/16" are appropriate)
• Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear Stn Wagons & Couriers: 26 psi front & rear (6-ply 25 psi front, 30 psi rear)
