Aided by internet searches, it looks like the '55 Thunderbird 292 engine came in a P and M code versions, the M having lower CR and HP.  I found that the station wagons of that year came with optional T bird engines.  My '55 wagon's serial number starts M5RX.  The way it looks it has an M code T bird engine, and was built at the San Jose, CA plant.  If this is all correct, does someone know the specs for the '55 M code T bird cams?  Internet searches didnt yield anything.

The heads are ECG-C, 8.5:1,  but I still havent been able to see the block ID.  I think John M's site lists the ECG-C as being for a 272 with 4V.  However according to Holley they never made a 4V for '55 272s.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

Mike,

Take a look at this link I found last night. It shows C heads for 56 only and it comes back once for 1960 292's. Doesn't differentiate by by carb, only HP. Maybe that will point you towards something.

http://books.google.com/books?id=0gaA5cQXYPkC&pg=PA103&lpg=PA103&dq=ford+ecg+t+cylinder+head&source=bl&ots=suhyLBRydm&sig=KJsshHaH-dI-Egsuu04qnA3sR60&hl=en&ei=OTQRTrXNFY6usAP1lpTDDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CFQQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q&f=false

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Nice Link Mark, thanks.  I didnt see any reference to ECG-C heads though.  Maybe with a flashlight and mirror the block ID will show up from beneath the car.

Does the wagon's serial number beginning with M really indicate it came with a T-bird engine?

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

Mike,



Yep, I mis-read it. Only T's and R's are listed. No C's.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Mike.  The standard engine in the 1955 Thunderbirds was the P code 292.  The M code engines for 1955 were the 182HP Specials which are four barrel equipped 272’s and would not have been factory installed in a Thunderbird.  The engine codes for the 1956 models assigned different engines to the codes which is likely where some of the internet research gets mixed up.

 

Here are the catalogue specs for the ’55 camshaft.

IO  – 12°

IC  – 54°

EO – 58°

EC – 8°

246° duration

0.360” lift

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I am under the impression that 292s only came in T-Birds & police cars in '55. But, since Dearborn and Ford dealers were known to be much more flexible back in the 50s (before the japs invented forced packaging), just like knowing the local police chief could get you 292 Interceptor, I'll bet being related to a dealer might get you a wagon with 292/4V towing power? As for heads, when the guides wore out (as they often did quite quickly with 50s quality oil & careless service), it was sometimes at lot simpler/faster to just take a set off the shelf and swap them, so (like tires), few originals likely survive on well worn cars?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Daniel, I feel secure in saying that T-bird 292s were offered as an option on some models of wagon in '55.  But on mine I found confirmation today that it is a 272, ECG block. 

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

can you check the numbers on the carb base? holley shows they used list 957-1, 1074, both were supperceded by 1074-1. ( 55 auto. power pack kit fairlane, and station wagon, 8 cyl. eng. ). i'd like to know what the ford stamped letters are, should be ECK OR ECJ with a dash and one more letter, thanks. is your wagon automatic?  also, my notes show vin code for 55 ford & t-bird are, M5-272-2bbl, U5- 272-4bbl, P5-292-4bbl. what are the casting numbers on the intake?

 lincoln/merc. y-blocks &mel's                                                               bucyrus, ohio.

yaLincoln, I'll post the numbers tomorrow.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

The '55 272 model 4000 is ECK 9510 T List 1074-1 .  The chart of holley list numbers and applications which I have shows this as being for '55 292 Ford/Merc.  Nothing shows up for '55 272.  Just saw the question about intake casting number.  Will have to check.  The trans is an auto.

The car VIN starts M5RX.  Intake manifold is ECB 9425 B.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.