Hello from Arizona.
I recently purchased a 56 Victoria, picture attached if I did it right. It's a very nice car but I know nothing of it's history. I originally planned on rebuilding the 312 but now think a full rebuild may be unnecessary.
What I have. Car originally had a 312 and I believe that to be the case now, will need to check crank to confirm. Heads are ECZ-C, distributor, Holly 4 barrel and intake are all stock. I removed the valve covers and found new rockers and shafts (unfortunately 1.43 ratio). I checked lift and degree on cam and found it is stock grind. there is no sludge or deposits on the tops of the heads or in the engine valley. Compression is 140-148 PSI all cylinders (this at 4000 foot elevation). I have looked into a couple cylinders with a terrible bore scope and see very little carbon and a strong crosshatch pattern. Engine is smooth and very quiet while running. With all the above I think engine has been recently rebuilt but I still have some doubt as to the quality of the rebuild as some things have been done Micky Mouse and engine apparently is also used as a chassis lubrication pump in this car
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What I would like. Reliable engine of approximately 250-275 Hp that does not leak oil. Would like to lighten engine at the same time. Doing so without going into bankruptcy is preferable.
The plan. Remove engine, pull heads and pan. Confirm engine is a 312, inspect cylinder and bearing condition. If all is OK reassemble with the following added. Mild street cam, MSD distributor, Reds headers, Mummert intake,Demon jr 525, aluminum front cover and pump. I would like to not replace the rockers or heads as I am also planning on installing a C4 transmission (FOM works fine but is lubricating everything the engine misses and weighs a ton) so at this point cost is becoming a issue.
Are the power gains I'm looking for realistic not using big valve heads and high ratio rockers? Rockers would be an easy addition later down the road as would heads, maybe even the aluminum when available. Is there anything else I should consider while the engine is out.
Mike Johnson
Rimrock Az
1956 Fairlane Victoria (ORREO)
Overlooking Beautiful Rimrock AZ