Conversion of a ‘56 Ultramatic to a ‘55 400 & A Few Engine Rebuild Questions

Posted by Deven Vance On 2021/1/31 2:11:52

Howdy fellas. I’m getting ready to begin a rebuild on my ‘55 400 352 V8. (See my project blog.) To begin, we’re rebuilding the engine and I’m wanting to do a few mild upgrades, enough to hopefully hit 300 horsepower.

My current ideas are:

Use the heads off of my 352 from 1956 (Purchased, but haven’t pulled them from the spare engine yet)

Stick with the ‘55 4 bbl. intake (Already have from the original engine)

Put a Holley 4 barrel on, ported to 650 cfm (Already purchased)

Port and polish (Can purchase the tool at my place of employment for $52)

Use the ‘56 camshaft and have a mild performance ground done (Purchased, but haven’t pulled it out of the spare engine yet.)

Jack Vines oil pump conversion (Need to purchase)

I do not want to bore it out unless absolutely necessary.

I also want to swap my ‘55 Ultramatic to a ‘56 version. I have lined up to buy a core ‘56 transmission along with the torque converter from Mike Dulinski.

My question is, what else will I need? Can I use my ‘55 linkages? Are the mounts different? Does everything just bolt up? Etc.

I would appreciate advice on the engine also. I plan on purchasing the Egge kit that comes with practically everything except the cam and crank. This will be my first engine and transmission rebuild, however I have my dad and grandpa who are incredibly experienced with building them, so I’m hoping for the best! I’d like to hear any tips and pointers you all have for the rebuild process itself also! Hoping to have everything done by this summer so I can be the only 21 year old cruising down the road in a 400 in all of West Virginia!

Thanks in advance everyone,

Deven Vance

Attach file:

---

  E0536C62-C06F-4A58-96D9-DD1A6CCCF59B.jpeg (142.73 KB)


  61459E07-99E3-4850-BFBC-0A41BD143CC3.jpeg (222.26 KB)