1956 Bel Air 265 V8

[miller56]

Just was wondering if anyone knew if putting in an original 265 V8 (casting number 3720991) from a 210 into my 56 bel air (that has a casting number of 3731548, so a 57 283/265) would help or hurt its value as possibly an original matching engine number? Or should I just scrap it and go with a newer LT or LS motor (assuming its affordable nowadays). Thanks in advance for any responses.

[busterwivell]

I think that if you don't have the original engine, it doesn't much matter what you power your car with. Also, as far as value, if you watch the auctions, cars with non-original engines bring more money than ones with the original engine. Your car isn't rare, do what you want with it.
My 56 has a 350/700R4 and an 8.5 inch 10 bolt rear. I'll venture it runs better that it did with the 6 cyl/3speed it was born with, which were long gone when I got the car.

[Histoy56]

I agree.

[chevynut]

Not that many people really care about the originality of a tri5 imo unless it's some rare optioned car like a fuel injected one. Even modified Nomads are usually worth more than restored ones, if done right and not cobbled up. I don't think I hurt the value of my Nomad by installing a 502 and changing the suspension. People care more about having a classic that they can actually enjoy driving with modern performance and comforts than having everything 100% original. If it matters to you, you should keep the correct casting engine. I think the "numbers matching" thing is more important in muscle cars where originality is more desired by a lot of people. How many people care if a 32 Ford has it's original engine?

[miller56]

thank you all for the information. I appreciate it. Will probably go with an LS1 or LT1. Thanks again

[chevynut]

LS1 is a far better engine than an LT1 350, unless you're talking about the current 6.2L LT1.