If you haven't already, get a  1956 Ford Shop manual (includes TBirds).  This will give engine spec's, torque values and a whole lot more.  Good luck with the Bird - I've also got 56 Bird.  Ebay is probably your best choice.


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

You need to buy this book          

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Y-Block-Engines-How-to-Rebuild-and-Modify-by-Morris-Charles-New/333334451475?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180105095853%26meid%3D13a9aa0a3f2d4ff390182437048da022%26pid%3D100903%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D20%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D333334451475%26itm%3D333334451475%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2510209&_trksid=p2510209.c100903.m5276

Thanks for the reply.

Next trip to my mom's house I will be doing this.

Welcome to the site.

The first order order of business would be to lay all the bolts out sorted by size and length.  From there, the forum members can then help to point out where they go.  You are essentially going to have 5/16-18, 3/8-13, and 7/16’14 bolts of various lengths.  There will also be some studs and nuts but sort everything the best you can in piles and we’ll go from there.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks for letting me join.

I am completely new to y blocks. My dad passed away and my mom gave me his 1956 Thunderbird. He had a 292 block that he had machined with the crankshaft and pistons etc installed. He also had the heads redone but they are not completely assembled. I bought some of the Elgin tubular pushrods and plan on buying a new timing chain and new head bolts. The problem I have is that all the block bolts are in a bucket and I don't know what bolts go where and their appropriate lengths. My uncle has done this before but also around 40 years ago so I would like to make sure that we put it together properly. I have been reading what I can about them on Facebook and was recommended this forum by a y block Facebook group member. I have also bought the ford y blocks book for reference. It lists some tips but I can use all the help I can get.

Thanks again.

Chad Current