I'm building a new engine for my 56 Bird.  It's a 312, will probably need a small overbore (030??).  The car it's going in has a C4 auto, stock rear (3.3X), Holley 4000 converted for a later distributor, 57 TBird distributor with Pertronix II, "C": heads.  Otherwise pretty much stock.  I do a lot of local driving plus some long distance trips of over 1,000 miles.  I know an OD will give better mileage, but that is not in the cards.

I do have the option of "G" heads, but will need a complete valve job where the "C" head won't.  I know the "G" heads are better, but also looking at the expense of the "G"  heads being redone.

Biggest question is camshaft.   Don't want a rump-rump cam, something with a good idle and low end characteristics and reasonable gas mileage.
Ted Eaton, in one of the later YBlock magazines, rebuilt a 292 with an E-4 ground on 112 lobe centers rather than the standard 108.  Any indication why? - not reason was given in the article, only that it works better with an automatic and the 4000.  Better fuel economy, more low end torque?.

Regarding putting the groove in the block for better oiling - what cam bearing is used when this is done.  Any other modifications required when this is done?  What are the dimensions for the groove?

Another question concerns an oil pump - I have what I think is a good pump that I took off when I  restored the car but would like to have it rebuilt for the new engine.  Is it practical to do this and who is a good source to do it?  I guess I could use the pump currently on the engine but other that the top of the engine I don't want to swap anymore parts. The pump worked fine when on the old engine and I only changed it because I had the engine out and didn't know the history of the engine and components.

Thanks for any suggestions and recommendations.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ