I've had a '56 Parklane for about 6 months now. I don't know how the car was originally equipped (VIN plate has been changed out). It currently has a '55 y-block 272 in it. The car sat for 35 years but I did get the car started. I don't know if the car is capable of moving -- I'm finishing up brakes and bearings and planned to move to the transmission next. I don't know if the cooling system is sound, either.

I'm committed to keeping a y-block in the car. Assuming the 272 is relatively sound, is it worth the investment of a rebuild, new distributor, carb, manifold, etc?

As an alternative, I've been checking the classified ads and came across a 312 for sale. Here's a picture and a copy of what the guy did with the engine.



and here's the invoice for the work done:



He hasn't yet answered my questions as to why he is selling or how much. From the looks of it, I don't think the engine has been run. If I were to move forward, any suggestions on how best to ensure the engine is sound? What questions should I focus on or is there anything (good or bad) that jumps out from the invoice? The block casting is ECZ 6015C. I don't know about the intake manifold. Thanks for any insight,

MplsMike
'56 Parklane
Minneapolis, MN

Heard back from the owner. He planned to supercharge the engine for his '58 F100 but lost interest. The package includes a "cruise o matic" transmission, offenhauser valve covers and a couple of pretty cool looking air cleaner scoops. First one with cash "north of $2500" gets it.

MplsMike
'56 Parklane
Minneapolis, MN

First, check out the Mummert site at http://www.ford-y-block.com/identify312.htm and make sure it is actually a 312. Look it over closely. Make sure its not a "spray can rebuild". Look for places with paint that shouldn't have and places that would have been painted if the engine was appart.
Your 272 could probably be bored to 292 with no problem if it checks out. So if you have a good 272 it may not be worth the swap. It also depends on what you plan to do with the car. For a daily driver the 272 is fine. Chuck

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

Mike: Not on your current question, but didn't you post recently about the missing original VIN plate? I can't find the post now.. but If I were you, I'd be concerned with that issue before I spent any more money on the car. You were advised to check for numbers on the frame. Did you do that? What did you find? If you found mumbers, did you do a search of any sort on them? As I recall the current plate does not relate to your Parklane. You say the car sat for years.. and you bought it 6 months ago, with a plate on it that turns out to be bogus! Have you questioned the seller about this? Did you get proper title or registration for the car? If not, I suspect you may have inadvertently bought a car that was stolen many years ago. Hence the fact that it has not been on the road in years.. Not trying to ruin your day, but.. it's something to think about?!

Paul

Yes, I did recently post on my VIN tag. While the tag clearly isn't original to the car, I hope it doesn't create an issue. The car was titled by the previous owner (his titled matched the VIN tag now on the car) and the state has already issued me a title as well. To be fair, I didn't know of the VIN mismatch when I changed the title to my name. I don't know if the prior owner went through the retitling process but the last title issued prior to mine was in the 1970s. Do you think there could be a problem?

MplsMike
'56 Parklane
Minneapolis, MN

Paul brings up a good point on the title. If you have a clear title that matches the VIN plate then that’s a start. The VIN number on the frame that I’m familiar with is at the right rear top of the frame and is essentially unreadable until the body is lifted off of the frame.

Beyond that, the 272 is a good engine so don’t shy away from it simply because it’s a 272. I’ve still got the original 272 in my ’55 Customline and it’s still going strong after a quarter million miles.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

The fact that you have a title in your name means its ok to go ahead with. The VIN plate should also match the frame, which I believe has the VIN in a number of places. If it runs true to form, there is a frame VIN on the right hand side, in the engine compartment, just past the front suspension or in that area.

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