Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum. I have a 1956 2 door coupe, original car. Engine has never been out. Has the 324 Rocket 88 engine and hydramatic trans. I want to “upgrade” To J2 option with Jetaway trans. I guess that transition happened late 56 for the 1957 models.
Anyway, any help, advice appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill Cooper

 

Sounds good! Let’s see some pics.

 

Bill,"Late 57" would have made it a 1957 automobile. The"model changeover" usually happened during the mid to late summers so the new models could be on showroom floors in September. Since you have a '56, you may already have a jetaway transmission. I recall seeing that both transmissions were available in 1956. You may be able to bolt in a complete J-2engine. Is there a particular reason you want the later rear end (1957-64) housing ?
The real authorities will chime in to correct me.

Bill, where are you located ?

 

Welcome Bill. As mentioned, pictures please.
If your transmission has PARK, then it's a Jetaway. The J2 was only around for 57 and 58. It had a lot of problems.

 

Welcome Bill from another 56 owner. You have a great group of very knowledgeable folks on here,
Rick

 

Welcome to the site, yes we do like pictures. Most answers to your questions and info can be found in the Vintage section.

 

Mr Bill, very very doubtful that your car is a factory transition car with a 56 body and a 57 engine, just didn't happen. As far as getting a J2 to fit your 324 it's a major endeavor, the basics blocks look similar bu the 371 is a taler block which makes the intake wider and no way it will fit, seal or the ports match.

If you are still unsure if you have a 324 or a 371 look at the pan and if it DOESN'T have a large canister (added oil capacity) sticking out the side that looks like a large oil filter but you already have a oil filter its a 324. If you want a 3 deuce set up for a 324 look for a after market unit off someones old hot rod or Ebay. They are out there but hard to find If you find one grab it quick others are looking also.. Tedd

 

Welcome to the group... I'm sure you will find some useful info here for your J2 project...

 

Welcome to the group Bill!

 

Thanks, everyone! I’ll get some pictures soon. This car is a 1956 owned by the same family since 1958. It is at my buddy’s shop ready for restoration. I’m going to help in that endeavor and buy the car from him.... it is his family that owns the car. We go way back!
I know it does not have the jet away trans or the J2. We want to up grade if you will from the 324 to the 371 and thought the drivetrain could be swapped out. So if J2 was problematic, what is considered a good upgrade for more power? We want it to look stock, not build a resto mod.
NOTE: this engine is original to the car and has never been out of the car. A long time ago, my buddy’s father put in new upgraded pistons right in his driveway. Evidently there was an issue with original 1956 pistons.

Bill Cooper

 

Bill, in consideration you "want it to look stock", there are some things that can be done. Some are more costly than others.
1. You might be able to bore it oversized (would require new pistons).
2. You could mill the heads and port and polish them.
3. You can install a new cam & lifters. Don't use a "regrind", a new cam blank might not require new push rods. There are people that can grind you something more than the "old stock grind". I would contact these people---> Contact: hunter@camcraftcams.com

"Upgrade" is an overused term. Do you know if the pistons he installed were cast or forged pistons ? Were the pistons stock configuration or were they "high compression" pistons.
I hope this can get you started. There are some very knowledgeable people in the Vintage Forum if you make a post there. They may have some great ideas too. Good luck.