55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Bought 55 bird recently and it's now clear to me that I don't have the original engine and trans in it....engine looks like a Y block...how do I confirm that? And what size and year it is? Tranny is a smooth shifting 3 spd, only it's causing the engine to run at >3k rpm at 65mph...not good. How do I identify what it is as well? Thinking the tranny at the very least needs to be replaced with something that can run at lower rpm's at 70mph.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

The trans is not making the engine run at high RPM's the rear end is what determines that. you proably have a high ratio rear end.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Is the transmission a straight 3 speed or is it a 3 speed with overdrive? If it is an OD maybe it's not working (fuse, solinoid etc.).



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

There is a Y-Block web site online with pictures that may help you out.I forget the address but it should come up on a search.Try Google,its a good searh engine.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

If It is a Y-Block you can tell buy the valve covers.First do the covers have 2 nuts on top at each end, if so it's a Y block, also do they have a decal that say's Thunderbird in white letters, if so it is a Y block.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Go to www.ford-y-block.com for info on engine ID.

Since engines werent serialized you have to go by casting #. In 55 the T bird was available with a 272 or 292. Trannys were 3 sp; 3sp/OD and Fordomatic.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Went to the site...the oil filter is not located where shown on the site...must not be a Y-block. The oil filter is at the front left of the block. The distributor is on the front left of the block. There are 6 bolts on the valve cover, three are on the bottom lip, 1 on each side, one on the top. Not being a Ford man, I still don't know what this engine is...will send you a picture for ID if you don't mind.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Roger,



Look for some casting numbers on the engine or components. The number on the intake manifold is usually easy to see and will help identify the engine. Based on what you have said so far about the valve cover bolts and the distributor locat1on I would guess that it is a small block Ford. If you don’t want to keep the Y block in an early T-Bird (which is what I prefer to do) this is a good choice for an engine.



Charlie Stephens





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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Sound like a 4:11 rear, might have an overdrive tranny.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Sounds like you have either a 260, 289, 302 or 351 windsor.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

I agree, sounds like a SBF. Go here for ID on that family.

Sending me a pic is fine if you still need help.



I even stuffed a 389 Pontiac and tripower with Muncie in a 55 Bird back around 67. Went like stink!





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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

error correction...the distributor is on the front RIGHT (passenger side) of the block.



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Re: 55 TBIRD Engine & Tranny...what do I have
 

Sorry about the missing link, senior moment brain fart!



http://www.cehighperformance.com/for..._car_codes.htm



From the pics it is a SBF but I dont know what you meant about the distributor locat1on. That looks drivers side to me.



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