56 heads
August 22nd, 2016, 07:59 AM
#2
Found this on Google search...
Intake Manifolds 1949 - 1964
Identification
Intake manifolds are cast iron unless otherwise noted.
Casting number and ID are located on top front of manifold, usually on the runners.
ID/ Casting Code Number Year(s) Application/Notes 563966 '55 or '56 4bbl. Iron. 567930 2bbl. Iron. 571145 '57,'58 371, Tri-carb, 3 2bbl. Easy to spot by the 3 carb holes. Mechanical linkage. 573388 '5? 573323 '60 394. 4bbl. Iron. D2 580676 '61 394. 2bbl. Iron D3 382856 '64 394, UHC 394. 4bbl. Iron. 382855 4bbl. Iron. 1954 and 1955 324s' have smaller intake ports and valves than the 1956 engines. 1955 and earlier four barrel intake manifolds won't fit a 1956 engine unless you put a dent in the lifter valley cover. 1957 and later cylinder heads will physically bolt on to 1949 to 1956 engines, but the port matchup on intake maniflolds will be off because different cylinder deck heights are used. 1957 and later cylinder heads have larger coumbustion chambers and valves.
Intake Manifolds 1949 - 1964
Identification
The early Olds V-8s used a "raised" intake manifold design with a separate valley cover. There was also a small "bug" shield in front of the intake. The later V-8 intake seals directly to the block.
DetailsIntake manifolds are cast iron unless otherwise noted.
Casting number and ID are located on top front of manifold, usually on the runners.
ID/ Casting Code Number Year(s) Application/Notes 563966 '55 or '56 4bbl. Iron. 567930 2bbl. Iron. 571145 '57,'58 371, Tri-carb, 3 2bbl. Easy to spot by the 3 carb holes. Mechanical linkage. 573388 '5? 573323 '60 394. 4bbl. Iron. D2 580676 '61 394. 2bbl. Iron D3 382856 '64 394, UHC 394. 4bbl. Iron. 382855 4bbl. Iron. 1954 and 1955 324s' have smaller intake ports and valves than the 1956 engines. 1955 and earlier four barrel intake manifolds won't fit a 1956 engine unless you put a dent in the lifter valley cover. 1957 and later cylinder heads will physically bolt on to 1949 to 1956 engines, but the port matchup on intake maniflolds will be off because different cylinder deck heights are used. 1957 and later cylinder heads have larger coumbustion chambers and valves.
October 2nd, 2017, 07:16 AM
#3
Ok, thanks for the info. I'm still not clear, I have a 1955 324. can I install 1956 heads and intake on this engine? would it be a good idea, or should I stick with the 55 heads?
October 2nd, 2017, 03:23 PM
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Forest Ranch Ca.
Posts: 7,714
Yes you can .... But as mentioned above you will have to put a dent where the intake hits the valley cover. Mark the spot, heat it up and give it a thump with a hammer, it doesn't take that much.
Your compression will come up from 8 1/2 to 10 and you will probably pick up about a extra 10 to 12 hp with out a cam change.... Tedd
Your compression will come up from 8 1/2 to 10 and you will probably pick up about a extra 10 to 12 hp with out a cam change.... Tedd
October 3rd, 2017, 09:26 PM
#5
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
Posts: 1,613
As mentioned, it should work. There were subtle changes in the '56 to achieve the H.P. gain. The diameter of the exhaust valve went from 1-7/16" in '55 to 1-9/16" in '56. The diameter of the intake remained at 1-3/4". Compression went from 8.5:1 to 9.25:1. There were also small changes in the cam and carburetor. As Tedd said, you will realize a portion of the increase by only changing the heads. Be sure they are '56 (#10). The '55 are #8 if I'm remembering correctly. In '57 they changed the block's deck height.
This change "might" slightly increase the engine's fuel octane requirements.
This change "might" slightly increase the engine's fuel octane requirements.
Last edited by Ozzie; October 3rd, 2017 at 09:32 PM. Reason: Added information
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