Seams to me I've seen somewhere on here bow to tell he difference between the 272-292,and the 312. If someone could point me to that info I would be very greatful. I have an opportunity to buy a 56 CV with thunderbird badges on the front fender and I am hoping it has the 312 however I am not sure how to tell and the folks selling it have no idea. I was told it ran great when parked OUTSIDE 3 yrs ago. Its a complete car in fair condition. Thanks in advance

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Did a google sear h n found Tim mcmasters site. Got my info, thanks. Now, can I drop the pan while still in the car?

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

You should be able to drop the pan with the engine in the car. You'll need to rotate the #1 crank throw up outta the way so the front of the pan clears it. Good luck! And bear in mind that all y-blocks for sale are 312s until proven otherwise. I think craigslist has sold more of 'em than Henry made.

Thanks Dobie, according to Tim, ECZ on the mains means a 312 fer sure. Gonna see ifin the fella will let me drop the pan ta verify. Ill letcha know what I find.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Couple of cautions. I bought a 312 that I heard running in the car. On tear down, we found a cracked main cap, and the crank didn't pass mag check. We knew the motor needed a full rebuild, so I was ok on the deal. But look real close while the pans off. You can't check the crank in there, but a lot of 312's supposedly had the mains overtighened due to a bad spec in the book. Hopefully, someone who knows the exact deal will chime in. And all cars that are parked ran perfect when they were parked there.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Yep mike I know what yer saying. This fella was a local rodder in town. He died unexpectedly an now his wife is ill n needs the money for her care. My wife knows the family n I trust what their telling me about the car. Its a lil rough interior wise but the body is straight as an arrow and all the trim is on her and in great shape. Paint is rough (sittin outside as I said). Ill look her over better (pans n trunk, door bottoms etc) fer rust when I check the mains. Not sure what the market is fer a "non-runnin" 56 CV? Don't want ta low ball em as they need the money, but I don't want ta over pay either. When I see it next ill take some pics n see ifin you folks kin help me set a fair value. Till then I know not much kin be said.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Oops!! Sorry fer the double post!!damn fat fingers......

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

One other thing you could check would be the VIN on the data plate. Of course the original motor could have replaced somewhere along the line, but if it is a "P" code car, that should give you hope that at least originally it was a 312 car.
Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Apparently, as the 312 option came in Fords somewhat late in 1956, only about 17% of them were acquipped with them. Priority production was given to Merc's, Thunderbirds & Police packages.. The Thunderbird emblem on the fender could mean a 312 or a 292-4Bbl dual exhaust car.. And as stated, there was a problem with the early main cap specs, which led to some stripped main bolts & cracked blocks.. So, approach the 312 claim with caution.. 
P.S.- Further, due to the age of the engines, our site moderator Ted, who has vast experience with these engines, has found that 312s are more likely to have block distortion problems than 272 & 292 engines...              


Paul

Wow Rono! !! Why didn't I think of that!! To simple for me i guess!! That sounds like an excellent place ta start!! Thanks! Ill stop after work n look!! Ill post what I find! Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca