Re: 1955 352 V8s

Posted by BH On 2008/2/26 20:51:44

A new head gasket (P/N 440976) was necessary for the larger bore of the 374 for the 56th Series - 4-1/8" as compared to 4" in the 352 engine. I'm guessing they were able to use the same head gasket for the 320 and 352 engines in the 55th Series.

Application of shims merely seems to follow the head usage - 55th vs. 56th. I could swear I read something published by the factory about the use of these head shims, but darned if I can find it in my files right now.

Meanwhile, check page 90 and you'll also find low compression pistons for the 352 (in 5560-80; 5640-60-70) and 374 (in 5680-88) - though only in standard and .010" over.

Interesting observations, but they don't account for difference in horsepwoer on 55th Series 352 engines.

Funny, after all these years, that this HP "scam" wasn't previously exposed in print.