1956 engine availability

[Ralph A.]

Friend has purchased a 1956. The engine was removed many moons ago (unknown why).
He asked me to post these questions.
1) Can the 265ci engine still be found (forget getting the vin correct)
2) Without changing the trans, what other engine size and year may be able to bolt up to it without major mods.

He may have to resort to it becoming a driver.

Thanks
Ralph

[Roy B.]

Re: 1956 engine availability

A 56 265 is getting harder to find , any small block up to the 90's will bolt up to a cast iron or later PG or stick.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1956 engine availability

VIN #'s weren't stamped on engine case in 56. where does your buddy live? might know of whereabouts of a 56 265. mike

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1956 engine availability

Ralph, a '56 265 just showed up on ebay. Go to ebay motors and then to 1956 corvette. You may also search the item number in ebay motors which is 4544657808. Happy bidding. BTW- I have nothing to do with the sale of this engine block. I just happened to read your post and went to ebay to see what was newly listed.
Garry

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956 engine availability

Ralph-----

A 265 is getting a lot harder to find than it was in the old days. A great many have been "recycled" into modern cars. However, they are still not a rare commodity. While there are not a lot of them out there, there are not a lot of people that want them, either. 1955 and 1956 Chevrolet passenger car and Corvette restorers are about the only market there is for this engine.

For a correct restoration, he'll need to get a correct casting numbered and dated block. This will complicate the search a little bit. However, if he wants just a correct appearing installation, then he has a lot of other options. In that case, I'd recommend going with a 62-67 327 engine. With it, he can achieve a nearly original configuration (except for "numbers" and "dates", of course) while at the same time having a MAJOR performance boost. Most of the 265 external, peripheral components will bolt right up to the 327.

Keep in mind that an original 265, even with upgraded internals, will not be a stellar performer. Sometimes, people forget that little "fact of life".

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1956 engine availability

Ralph, first of all I would agree with Joe on every point he makes about substituting the 327 in the place of the 265. I am a fan of the '56 Corvette and therefore would encourage you to spend some time searching and you just might find what you want. You may also want to try Engines Limited in Oshkosh, WI. He can help in several different searches. You can find his number in Hemmings.

I did ask the ebay seller for the casting date and what if anything was stamped on the pad. If and when I hear from him I will send that information on to you. Garry

[Loren L.]

Be advised that the car's serial # will

have a considerable impact on availability - if it is within the first 800? to
a 1000 (?) cars it needs 2 bolt exhaust manifolds, different oil pan, etc., etc. That being said, get the car's VIN, call 602-253-7436 and ask for Carey. Tell him I sent you so that you won't be treated like a flake and let him know what you want.

[Bernard M.]

Re: Be advised that the car's serial # will

That would be 600, but the serial numbers start at 1001 so the features Loren alludes to are applicable to VIN numbers of 1600 or under.

[Loren L.]

Apologies all around for assuming that

an OWNER of a 1956 would know that...god, I just feel so undeserving and unworthy................

[Ralph A.]

Thanks for all this good info

I will pass this on to my friend.
I plan to see the body soon and get a better feel for what the car is.
I have saved these links and may get back for additional information.
Thanks again.
Ralph

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 1956 engine availability

Ralph, if your efforts are to land a correct 265 corvette block then the one on ebay is not for you. I got the information of the seller:

pad stamp is 02BB115 T56G

casting date is H356
I am sure that it is a 991 but the stamp pad tells me that it is a passenger vehicle block and not a corvette because it contains the letter T which stands for Tonawanda where the passenger vehicle engines were made. You want an F which stands for Flint which is where the corvette engines were assembled. The casting date is August 3, 1956 if that helps. The single letter G is also a dead givaway as not being a corvette assemble engine block. I also don't understand the B's in the production number portion of the stamp. I wonder if the owner misread them as B's instead of 8's? I would say keep looking.
You should be able to find one with a little effort. Good luck.
Garry Barnes

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956 engine availability

Gary and Ralph-----

Finding a 265 block with a Corvette suffix code is going to be a LOT harder than just finding a correctly dated 265 block. It's also likely going to be a LOT more expensive when and IF you do find it. Aside from the stamped code, there will otherwise be no difference in the blocks. At least, no difference as far as the bare block is concerned which is probably all that will be used, anyway.