Std 1955 Ford Y-block V-8 272-cid 162-hp 2-bbl single-exh (opt dual) U-code eng (dual-exh Fairlane & stn wagon)
1955 Ford Engines Clutches Transmissions Axles Rims Tires
PAGE INDEX Click links or scroll down
• Engines • Clutches • Transmissions • Rear Axle Ratios • Rims • Tires
• I-block Six Tuneup & Oil • Y-block V-8 Tuneup & Oil • Service Parts • Wheel Alignment
• I-block Six Tuneup & Oil • Y-block V-8 Tuneup & Oil • Service Parts • Wheel Alignment
NOTE Brake horsepower (bhp) commonly stated as horsepower (hp) & torque (lb-ft tq) ratings are "gross" under pre-1972 SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards—measured at the flywheel with the engine running on a dyno (dynamometer) test stand without connected equipment. 1972+ ratings are typically "net"—measured with the drag of intake, exhaust, & equipment (like alternator) connected (a lower rating). "Rear wheel" horsepower & torque ratings reflect whole drivetrain drag (a further lower rating).—Editor
1955 Ford Car & Station Wagon Engines
• Ford I-block Six 223-cid 120-hp 1-bbl single-exh A-code
• Ford Y-block V-8 272-cid 162-hp 2-bbl single-exh (dual Fairlane & stn wagon) U-code
• Ford Y-block "Special V-8" 272-cid 182-hp 4-bbl dual-exh M-code (w/ Fordomatic only)
("Power Pack," Holley's name for the 4-bbl carb & a common name for the engine)
• Thunderbird Special V-8 292-cid 193-hp (198-hp w/ Fordomatic) 4-bbl dual-exh P-code few installed
• Ford (Police) Interceptor Y-8 292-cid 188-hp 4-bbl dual-exh P-code (special equip incld) late model-year
Engine Prices, Specs, Tuneup, & Oil Change - download a print-ready 9-page PDF (here)
Ford I-block Six 223-cid 120-hp A-code, all drives
std all models (incld in I-6 vehicle price)
6-cyl In-line 2-overhead-valve
Hp 120 @ 4000 rpm Torque 195 lb-ft @ 1200-2400 rpm
CID 223 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.60" Main Bearings 4 Counterweights 9
Comp Ratio 7.5 to 1 Comp Press 125 psi sea level @ cranking speed
Carb Single-Jet (1-bbl) Holley 1904, manual choke
Air Cleaner dry-type (oil-bath type in dust areas)
Generator low-cut-in 35-amp Fan 3-blade 18" dia Exhaust single Fuel reg
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 230-CID
Tuneup & Service Specs (here)
Ford Y-block V-8 272-cid 162-hp U-code, all drives
std all models ($120.77 incld in V-8 vehicle price) over std Ford I-block Six 223-cid 120-hp A-code
8-cyl 90°-V 2-overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51")
Hp 162 @ 4400 rpm Torque 258 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
CID 272 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Comp Ratio 7.6 to 1 Comp Press 130 psi sea level @ cranking speed
Carb Twin-Jet (2-bbl) Holley 2110, manual choke Air Cleaner dry-type (oil-bath type in dust areas)
Generator low-cut-in 35-amp Fuel reg
Fan 3-blade 18" dia, all except Courier (Sedan Delivery) 3-blade 18-1/2" dia
Exhaust single on Mainline, Customline, & Courier (opt dual), dual on Fairlane & stn wagon
Block ECG-6015 Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECL-6090-A, ECG-6090-B, or ECG-6090-D Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281-CID
Tuneup & Service Specs (here)
Ford Y-block "Special V-8" 272-cid 182-hp M-Code (Fordomatic Dr only)
("Power Pack," Holley's name for the 4-bbl carb & a common name for the engine;
recognized by the 4-bbl carb, large air cleaner, dual exh, & Fordomatic Dr)
$14.70 over std Ford Y-block V-8 272-cid 162-hp U-code
opt Fairlane Club Sedan & Town Sedan
plus reguired Fordomatic Dr $178.20 + 7.10 x 15" tires $20 = $212.90 Total
opt Fairlane Victoria, Crown Victoria, Crown Victoria T/T, & Sunliner; & stn wagon
plus reguired Fordomatic Dr $178.20 = $192.90 Total (7.10 x 15” tires incld)
(not avail Mainline, Customline, or Courier)
8-cyl 90°-V 2-overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51")
Hp 182 @ 4400 rpm Torque 268 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm
CID 272 Bore 3.62" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Comp Ratio 8.5 to 1 Comp Press 140 psi sea level @ cranking speed
Carb Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, vacuum secondaries, auto choke
Air Cleaner large low-restriction oil-bath type Generator low cut-in 35-amp
Fan 3-blade 18" Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Bore max allow oversize 0.060" + 3.62" = 3.68" bore = 281 CID
Block ECG-6015 Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECL-6090-B (early-year), ECG-6090-A, or ECG-6090-C Head Casting Nos.
Tuneup & Service Specs (here)
Thunderbird Special V-8 292-cid 193-hp
(198-hp w/ Fordomatic Dr) P-code, all drives few installed
opt Fairlane & stn wagon $100 over std Ford Y-block V-8 272-cid 162-hp U-code
(not avail Mainline, Customline, or Courier)
8-cyl 90°-V 2-overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 193 @ 4400 rpm Torque 280 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm CR 8.1 to 1 Comp 135 psi
Hp 198 @ 4400 rpm Torque 286 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm CR 8.5 to 1 Comp 140 psi w/ Fordomatic Dr
CID 292 Bore 3.75" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Carb Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000, vacuum secondaries, auto choke
Air Cleaner low-restriction oil-bath type (Thunderbird style) Generator low cut-in 35-amp
Fan 3-blade 18" Exhaust dual Fuel prem
Block ECH-6015, ECJ-6015, ECL-6015, or ECK-6015 Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECK-6090-B (Conv Dr & Overdrive), or
ECK-6090-C, ECL-6090-B, or ECL-6090-C (Fordomatic Dr) Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298-CID
Tuneup & Service Specs (here)
Ford (Police) Interceptor Y-8 292-cid 188-hp P-code, all drives late model-year
opt all Police & Emerg car & stn wagon $250 [est] over std Ford Y-block V-8 272-cid 162-hp U-code
(not avail Fairlane, not offered to public)
8-cyl 90°-V 2-overhead-valve (intake 1.78," exh 1.51") Y-Block
Hp 188 @ 4400 rpm Torque 274 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
CID 292 Bore 3.75" x Stroke 3.30" Main Bearings 5 Counterweights 8
Comp Ratio 7.6 to 1 Comp Press 130 psi sea level @ cranking speed
Carb Double Twin-Jet (4-bbl) Holley 4000 List ECK-T #1074-1, vacuum secondaries, auto choke
Block ECH-6015, ECJ-6015, ECL-6015, or ECK-6015 Block Casting Nos.
Heads ECL-6090-B (mid-year), ECK-6090-B (late-year), or ECK-6090-C Head Casting Nos.
Bore max allow oversize 0.040" + 3.75" = 3.79" bore = 298-CID
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED, ALL
• large low-restriction oil-bath air cleaner • extra-cooling high-speed 3-blade 18" dia fan
• heavy-duty rad w/ 20 qt US coolant capacity (21 qt US w/ heater)
• diaphragm-type mech fuel pump w/ vacuum-boost to wipers
• low cut-in 40 amp generator • heavy-duty 11" clutch (Conv Dr or OD)
• Fordomatic Dr large fluid capacity 10.25 qt US • dual exhaust • reg fuel use
MAINLINE & CUSTOMLINE
• heavy-duty front coil & rear leaf springs • heavy-duty brake linings
• composite-type rear axle housing (as stn wagon)
• rear gear ratios (to 1) Conv Dr 3.73, Overdrive 3.92, & Fordomatic Dr 3.54 (opt 3.31)
Tuneup & Service Specs (here)• heavy-duty rad w/ 20 qt US coolant capacity (21 qt US w/ heater)
• diaphragm-type mech fuel pump w/ vacuum-boost to wipers
• low cut-in 40 amp generator • heavy-duty 11" clutch (Conv Dr or OD)
• Fordomatic Dr large fluid capacity 10.25 qt US • dual exhaust • reg fuel use
MAINLINE & CUSTOMLINE
• heavy-duty front coil & rear leaf springs • heavy-duty brake linings
• composite-type rear axle housing (as stn wagon)
• rear gear ratios (to 1) Conv Dr 3.73, Overdrive 3.92, & Fordomatic Dr 3.54 (opt 3.31)
1955 Ford Car & Station Wagon Clutches
(w/ Conventional Drive & Overdrive transmissions)
• 9-1/2-inch w/ Ford I-block Six
• 10-inch w/ Ford Y-block V-8, Ford Y-block "Special V-8," & Thunderbird Special V-8
• 11-inch Taxi w/ Ford I-block Six & Ford Y-block V-8 & "Standard Taxi Package" or "Deluxe Taxi Package"
• 11-inch Police & Emerg w/ Ford (Police) Interceptor Y-8 (& all Thunderbird cars)
Pedal free-travel 1-1/8 inch to 1-3/8 inch
"Ford's clutch pedal suspension has over-center assist spring and simple linkage for smooth, easy operation. Clutch is single, dry-plate, cushion-disc type. Cushion-disc construction is of spring-steel segments between facings, plus damper springs between clutch disc and hub, to avoid grabbing, vibration, or chatter. Throw-out bearing has pre-lubericated, sealed ball bearing. Pilot bearing is oil-impregnated, sintered bronze bushing." - All the Facts About The 1955 Ford
1955 Ford Car & Station Wagon Transmissions
● Conventional Drive (manual 3-speed)
Std all models (incld), except Fairlane & stn wagon w/ opt "Special V-8" 272-cid eng & Fordomatic Dr (only)
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), & Reverse
All-helical gears, forged bronze synchronizers
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Operation, "Shifting Gears," Owner's Manual Page 11 (here)Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
● Overdrive (manual 3-speed w/ auto planetary 4th-speed Overdrive)
Opt all models, +$109.70, except Fairlane & stn wagon w/ opt "Special V-8" 272-cid eng & Fordomatic Dr (req'd)
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), auto 4th gear (30% lower eng rpm than 3rd), & Reverse
Gear selector on steering column "H" pattern
Overdrive push/pull T-handle below instrument panel
Lock-in (engage OD) push in T-handle when car is stopped or at any speed & let-up throttle pedal when above 27-28 mph, (auto disengage & downshift to 3rd below 21-22 mph)
Kick-down (to 3rd, for hill climbing or passing) floor throttle pedal, (let-up pedal to auto return to OD)
Lock-out (disengage OD) pull out T-handle when car is stopped or in "kick down (3rd) operation
Operation, "Overdrive," Owner's Manual Page 11 (here)Overdrive push/pull T-handle below instrument panel
Lock-in (engage OD) push in T-handle when car is stopped or at any speed & let-up throttle pedal when above 27-28 mph, (auto disengage & downshift to 3rd below 21-22 mph)
Kick-down (to 3rd, for hill climbing or passing) floor throttle pedal, (let-up pedal to auto return to OD)
Lock-out (disengage OD) pull out T-handle when car is stopped or in "kick down (3rd) operation
Operation, "Economical Overdrive," All The Facts Pages 74-75 (here)
● Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive (automatic 3-speed)
Opt all models, +$178.20
Designed by Warner Gear Division, Borg Warner Corporation
Automatic planetary gear train, single-stage 3-element hydraulic-mechanical Torque Converter—oil cushion, no mechanical linkage between engine & drive train, no vacuum or electrical connections, cast iron case
SMALL CASE, steel impeller
• '55-57 I-6-1V 223-cid • '55 V-8-2V & 4V 272-cid • '56-57 V-8-2V 272-cid
• '56 V-8-4V 292-cid • '56-57 V-8-4V 312-cid (not Ford [Police] Interceptor, Stn Wgn, T-Bird)
MEDIUM CASE
• '55 V-8-4V 292-cid (steel impeller)
• '56 V-8-4V 312-cid (Ford [Police] Interceptor, Stn Wagon, T-Bird, steel or alum impeller)
Low (1st), Intermediate (2nd, Passing Gear), High (3rd), & Reverse
5-Possition Safety-Sequence Selector w/ illuminated indicator dial on steering column
P (Park)
R (Reverse)
N (Neutral) car can be towed up to 12 miles at under 40 mph, otherwise with rear wheels raised
• start engine
DR (Drive)
• start-out in 2nd & auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• start-out at full-throttle in 1st (Speed-Trigger) & auto up-shifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to Passing Gear (2nd) (below 65-68 mph & above 17-23 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to 1st (below 17-23 mph)
LO (Low)
• start-out in 1st & hold (up to 35 mph), auto upshift to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected
• downshift to 2nd & hold (below 60 mph & above 17-23 mph - engine braking)
• downshift to 1st & hold (below 17-23 mph - engine braking)
Adjust bands & change fluid every 15,000 miles—original Type A, modern DEXTRON® IIIP (Park)
R (Reverse)
N (Neutral) car can be towed up to 12 miles at under 40 mph, otherwise with rear wheels raised
• start engine
DR (Drive)
• start-out in 2nd & auto upshift to 3rd (typical driving)
• start-out at full-throttle in 1st (Speed-Trigger) & auto up-shifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to Passing Gear (2nd) (below 65-68 mph & above 17-23 mph)
• full-throttle kick-down to 1st (below 17-23 mph)
LO (Low)
• start-out in 1st & hold (up to 35 mph), auto upshift to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected
• downshift to 2nd & hold (below 60 mph & above 17-23 mph - engine braking)
• downshift to 1st & hold (below 17-23 mph - engine braking)
Fluid Capacity 9.25 qt US (I-6), 9.75 qt US (V-8), 10.25 qt US (Ford [Police] Interceptor Y-8)
Operation, "Fordomatic," Owner's Manual Pages 12-13 (here)
Operation, "Speed-Trigger Fordomatic," All The Facts Pages 72-73 (here)
Specs & Parts, AutoTran Vintage Automatic Transmission (here)
1955 Ford Car & Station Wagon Rear Axle Ratios (to 1)
Semi-floating type w/ hypoid gears
Car: pressed steel banjo-type housing
Stn Wagon & Courier: composite housing
Mainline & Customline (incld Taxi) & Fairlane Ford I-block Six
• Std Conv Dr - 3:89 (opt 4.11) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 4.11 (opt 3.89)
• Opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Dr - 3.30 (opt 3.55)
Mainline & Customline (incld Taxi) & Fairlane Ford Y-block V-8 &
Fairlane Thunderbird Special V-8 few installed
• Std Conv Dr - 3:78 (opt 3.89) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 3.89 (opt 3.78)
• Opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Dr - 3.30 (opt 3.55)
Fairlane & Stn Wagon Ford Y-block "Special V-8"
• Opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Dr (only) - 3.30 (opt 3.55)
Stn Wagon Ford I-block Six, Ford Y-block V-8, & Thunderbird Special V-8 few installed
• Std Conv Dr - 4.09 (opt 4.27) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 4.27 (opt none)
• Opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Dr - 3.54 (opt none)
Courier (Sedan Delivery) Ford I-block Six & Ford Y-block V-8
• Std Conv Dr - 4.09 (opt 4.27) (incld)
• Opt Overdrive - 4.27 (opt none)
• Opt Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Dr - 3.54 (opt none)
Police & Emergency Rear Axle Ratios (here)
1955 Ford Car & Station Wagon Rims
Diameter 15 in Width 5 in (between flanges) Center Hole 2.840 in
Bolt Pattern 5 lug x 4.5 in (114.3 mm) (between center-point of one lug & far outside edge of an opposite lug)
Backspace 3 in (between hub mounting surface & inside edge outermost plain)
Offset 0 in (between hub mounting surface & centerline—positive, negative, or zero)
Material pressed steel (an iron & carbon alloy), outer rim welded to center Weight 19.95 lb
Finish baked-on synthetic enamel paint, (lower) body color Part No. 1015-U-15x5
1955 Ford Car & Station Wagon Tires
Mainline & Customline
Ford I-block Six & Ford Y-block V-8 - all drives
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
Fairlane Club Sedan & Town Sedan
Ford I-block Six, Ford Y-block V-8, & Thunderbird Special V-8 - all drives
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
Ford Y-block "Special V-8" - Fordomatic Dr
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
Fairlane Victoria, Crown Victoria, Crown Victoria Transparent Top, & Sunliner
Ford I-block Six, Ford Y-block V-8, & Thunderbird Special V-8 - Conv Dr or Overdrive
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
Ford I-block Six - Fordomatic Dr
• 6.70 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
Ford Y-block V-8, Thunderbird Special V-8, & Ford Y-block "Special V-8" - Fordomatic Dr
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
Ranch Wagon & Custom Ranch Wagon
All engs - all drives
• 7.10 x 15" bias 4-ply BSW tubeless
• Opt 7.10 x 15" bias 6-ply BSW tubeless
6-Passenger Country Sedan, 8-Passenger Country Sedan, & Country Squire
All engs - all drives
• 7.10 x 15" bias 6-ply BSW tubeless
Opt White Sidewalls (5) +$26.80 SelectAire Conditioner requires V-8 eng, Fordomatic Dr, & 7.10 x 15" tires, all
Taxi Tires (here) Police & Emergency Tires (here) Courier (Sedan Delivery) Tires (here)
Firestone Deluxe Champion bias 4-ply BSW tubeless specs
6.70 x 15" 15" x 5" rim, 28.58" dia, 7.01" sec, 4.50" tread, 1,450 lb max load @ 32 psi, (opt 2.6875" wide white sidewall),
• Modern Metric Radial 195R x 15" (white sidewall widths of 2-1/2 to 2-11/16" are appropriate)
• Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear Stn Wagons: 26 psi front & rear Couriers: 23 psi front, 26 psi rear
7.10 x 15" 15" x 5" rim, 28.88" dia, 7.70" sec, 4.50" tread, 1,550 lb max load @ 32 psi, (opt 2.75" wide white sidewall),
• Modern Metric Radial 205R x 15" (white sidewall widths of 2-1/2 to 2-11/16" are appropriate)
• Cars: 26 psi front, 23 psi rear Stn Wagons & Couriers: 26 psi front & rear (6-ply 25 psi front, 30 psi rear)
