I just got a set of thunderbird exhaust manifolds. I also bid on a set from Ebay and got them too. I have a 272 with single exhaust now and want to convert to dual exhaust. I think the ones I got from Ebay are for a 312 passenger car. The question is, are they the same? I don't really know what engine the t-bird ones came off of. What ever I'll wind up with 2 sets and I guess will have to get the exhaust pipes made at a local shop. I see where Tee Bird has exhaust pipes in 2" diameter and 1 7/8" diameter. I think I'll do the 2" ones. They will be for a 56 Customline. What do ya think ?

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

The right manifolds are the same, passenger and T-Bird.  The left Bird manifold has the outlet tucked in toward the block to clear the steering box and the flange is rotated about 90 degrees.  They would probably work on a passenger car, but the pipe from the catalog would not bolt up.  '55-'56 manifolds are slightly smaller than '57 and later.

John ini Selma, IN

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Also on the driver's side if you have a manual transmission you need to be sure that you have the correct "equalizer shaft" in the clutch linkage.  The ex pipe comes right through where this piece is and the dual exhaust '56's had shafts with a bend in it to miss the pipe.  The '54 cars had a straight equalizer that is in the way of the exhaust pipe.  None of this is a problem if you have an automatic.  BTW most ex manifolds on E bay are likely to be pass car pieces not T bird which are much more rare.

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

I have a '56 so I am assuming that the clutch linkage is as you described. It looks to me like a tight fit involving the shift arms on the steering column though. I didn't get the T-bird ones off of ebay. I got the '57 ones off of ebay though. Thanks to y'all. The experts are definitely located here ..

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

ejstith,



If any of those Rt. side manifolds you get has a choke stove (C1AE-9430-B/B9AE-9430-A), I have a good (but repaired/painted) small '55-'56 T-bird one to trade, if you want an original part.






6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA