Jim, the pic that Charlie linked to looks a lot like the one I picked up for my "E" code intake. I have test fit it and will work fine. With some paint it will pretty much disappear.
Rowen.

PS: cost is similar as well.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Thank You

As DryLakesRacer indicated, the '56 Ford dual quad intake manifold is different from the '57 'E' code dual quad intake.  One of the differences is in the carburetor throttle bores.  They are all segregated from each other like the Edelbrock FM257 units. 

The original valley pan cover supplied by Ford for the over-the-parts-counter PowerPack option consisted of a flat metal sheet with an oil filler tube bronze welded (brazed) to it.
Click the eBay link below to see a crude reproduction of what the original looked like.  
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-1957-Ford-Thunderbird-E-flat-valley-pan-1-8-inch-thick-steel-Y-block-/351546704076?hash=item51d9d100cc:g:Ow4AAOSw5VFWGsJ1&vxp=mtr

Hope this helps.    


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I'm not sure a 56 manifold ever needed the lowered valley cover. The 56 dual quad setup was a dealer installed option and the area where the carbs bolt on looks different. The holes are also different in design. I don't think there was a figure 8 design. Old Mics or Ted would know this I'm sure. I've seen 56 manifolds on E-Bay and the under side was different and there was never a mention of a special valley pan. GoodLuck.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Thanks Moon
Vic, I don't have a manifold yet, but have a line on an original with carbs from a 56 T-Bird
Jim

Which intake are you using? I have used the Edelbrock 255 and 257 with the standard valley pan.

  Vic Correnti

The fins may have to be ground down under the carb intake center. That's the problem with the valley cover, the dual quad intake sets lower between the heads and can come in contact with the valley cover. When you tighten down the intake you can end up with the broken ears. That's why you see so many intakes with repairs on the ends.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Would one of these work w/2 4bbl carbs?
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?query=valley+cover

Thanks
Jim