1956 Buick Specifications - Hometown Buick

1956 Buick Specifications / Specs

All original classic cars are great – they give you the opportunity to travel back in time. A car is only original once – but can be restored a thousand times. If you want to learn more about the original condition and tuning of your 56 Buick, read these 1956 Buick Specifications!

These 1956 Buick Specifications are all original and factory correct. They were published in the 56 Buick Dealer Facts Book. It is one of the best sources to learn all important aspects of your 56 Buick. The specs section cover a lot of info about the engine, its parts, engine cooling, engine lubrication, electrical systems like ignition, transmission, brakes and much more!

General Information	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Wheelbase (all models)	122"	122"	127"	127"
Tread - front	59"	59"	59"	59"
Tread - rear	59"	59"	62.2"	62.2"
Overall length with bumpers	205.1"	205.1"	213.6"	213.6"
Overall maximum width	75.5"	75.5"	80"	80"
Height (at normal load)	59.8"	60.0"	60.2"	60.4"
Minimum road clearance (4-doors)	6.33	6.57	6.57	6.78
Shipping weight* - Synchromesh	3,825 pounds	-	-	-
Shipping weight* - Dynaflow	3,925 pounds	4,002 pounds	4,257 pounds	4,325 pounds
Location of engine number	Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand bank of cylinders below cylinder head	Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand bank of cylinders below cylinder head	Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand bank of cylinders below cylinder head	Stamped on extension of top face of block on left hand bank of cylinders below cylinder head
Location of serial number	Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front	Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front	Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front	Plate of left front pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front

Engine - General	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Engine type and make	Buick 90 degree V8	Buick 90 degree V8	Buick 90 degree V8	Buick 90 degree V8
Valve arrangement	In-head	In-head	In-head	In-head
Bore and stroke	4" x 3.2"	4" x 3.2"	4" x 3.2"	4" x 3.2"
Piston displacement	322 cui	322 cui	322 cui	322 cui
Cylinder numbering, front to rear - left	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8
Cylinder numbering, front to rear - right	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7
Firing order	1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3	1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3	1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3	1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3
Compression ratio	8.9	9.5	9.5	9.5
Number of mounting points	2 Front, 1 Rear	2 Front, 1 Rear	2 Front, 1 Rear	2 Front, 1 Rear
Taxable horsepower	51.2	51.2	51.2	51.2
Maximum horsepower	220 @ 4,400 rpm	255 @ 4,400 rpm	255 @ 4,400 rpm	255 @ 4,400 rpm
Maximum torque	319 lb.-ft. @ 2,400 rpm	341 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm	341 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm	341 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm

Engine - Block or Crankcase	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Material	Special Alloy Cast Iron	Special Alloy Cast Iron	Special Alloy Cast Iron	Special Alloy Cast Iron
Design	Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced	Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced	Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced	Deep-flange, Rib-reinforced
Camshaft Material	Alloy Cast Iron	Alloy Cast Iron	Alloy Cast Iron	Alloy Cast Iron
Bearing number and material	5, Steel-backed Babbitt	5, Steel-backed Babbitt	5, Steel-backed Babbitt	5, Steel-backed Babbitt
Type and make of drive	Chain, Link Belt	Chain, Link Belt	Chain, Link Belt	Chain, Link Belt

Engine - Connecting Rods	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Material	High manganese alloy forged steel	High manganese alloy forged steel	High manganese alloy forged steel	High manganese alloy forged steel
Bearing Material	Steel-backed Moraine 400	Steel-backed Moraine 400	Steel-backed Moraine 400	Steel-backed Moraine 400
Effective bearing length	.881"	.881"	.881"	.881"
Rod length, center to center	6"	6"	6"	6"

Engine - Cooling System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Cooling System	Water Pump Pressure	Water Pump Pressure	Water Pump Pressure	Water Pump Pressure
Radiator Pressure Control Valve	7 lbs.	7 lbs.	7 lbs.	7 lbs.
Water Temperature Control	Thermostat and By-pass	Thermostat and By-pass	Thermostat and By-pass	Thermostat and By-pass
Circulation starts to open at	157-162 °F	157-162 °F	157-162 °F	157-162 °F
Water pump type	Centrifugal	Centrifugal	Centrifugal	Centrifugal
Water pump bearing type	Sealed, double row ball bearing	Sealed, double row ball bearing	Sealed, double row ball bearing	Sealed, double row ball bearing
By-pass recirculation	Internal	Internal	Internal	Internal
Radiator core type	Tube and Center	Tube and Center	Tube and Center	Tube and Center
Water all around cylinders	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Number of fan blades	4	4	4	4
Fan diameter	18"	18"	18"	18"
Cooling system capacity - less heater	18.0 qts.	18.0 qts.	18.0 qts.	18.0 qts.
Cooling system capacity - with heater	19.0 qts.	19.0 qts.	19.0 qts.	19.0 qts.

Engine - Crankshaft	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Material	Forged Steel	Forged Steel	Forged Steel	Forged Steel
Weight	56.7 pounds	56.7 pounds	56.7 pounds	56.7 pounds
Main bearing material	Steel-backed Durex 100 A	Steel-backed Durex 100 A	Steel-backed Durex 100 A	Steel-backed Durex 100 A
Main bearing journal diameter and eff. Length - No. 1	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250
Main bearing journal diameter and eff. Length - No. 2	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250
Main bearing journal diameter and eff. Length - No. 3	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250
Main bearing journal diameter and eff. Length - No. 4	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250	2.4985 x 1.250
Main bearing journal diameter and eff. Length - No. 5	2.4985 x 1.765	2.4985 x 1.765	2.4985 x 1.765	2.4985 x 1.765

Engine - Exhaust System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Exhaust system type	Single with cross-over	Single with cross-over	Single with cross-over	Dual**
Muffler Type	Dynamic Flow	Dynamic Flow	Dynamic Flow	Dynamic Flow

Engine - Fuel System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Fuel tank capacity	19 galons	19 galons	19 galons	19 galons
Fuel pump type	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical
Vacuum booster	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Fuel filter type and location	Sinterized Bronze Element at Carburetor	Sinterized Bronze Element at Carburetor	Sinterized Bronze Element at Carburetor	Sinterized Bronze Element at Carburetor
Carburetor type	2-barrel Downdraft	2-barrel Downdraft	4-barrel Downdraft	4-barrel Downdraft
Intake manifold heat control	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Automatic choke type	Integral	Integral	Integral	Integral
Standard air cleaner type	Heavy Duty Oil Bath	Heavy Duty Oil Bath	Heavy Duty Oil Bath	Heavy Duty Oil Bath

Engine - Lubrication System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Main bearing lubrication	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure
Connecting rod lubrication	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure
Piston pin lubrication	Splash	Splash	Splash	Splash
Camshaft lubrication	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure
Tappet lubrication	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure	Pressure
Timing chain lubrication	Drip from front camshaft bearing	Drip from front camshaft bearing	Drip from front camshaft bearing	Drip from front camshaft bearing
Cylinder wall lubrication	Splash and Nozzle	Splash and Nozzle	Splash and Nozzle	Splash and Nozzle
Oil pump type	Gear	Gear	Gear	Gear
Normal oil pressure	35 lb. @ 1,600 rpm	35 lb. @ 1,600 rpm	35 lb. @ 1,600 rpm	35 lb. @ 1,600 rpm
Type oil intake	Stationary	Stationary	Stationary	Stationary
Standard oil filter type	Full Flow	Full Flow	Full Flow	Full Flow
Capacity of oil reservoir - refill	6 qts.	6 qts.	6 qts.	6 qts.

Engine - Pistons	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Material	Aluminum Alloy	Aluminum Alloy	Aluminum Alloy	Aluminum Alloy
Description and finish	Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Full Skirt - Anodized	Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Full Skirt - Anodized	Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Full Skirt - Anodized	Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Full Skirt - Anodized
Weight (piston only)	19.95 oz.	19.95 oz.	19.95 oz.	19.95 oz.

Engine - Piston Rings	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Compression rings per cylinder	2	2	2	2
Compression ring material	Cast Iron	Cast Iron	Cast Iron	Cast Iron
Oil rings per cylinder	1	1	1	1
Oil ring material	Steel	Steel	Steel	Steel
Number of rings above piston pin	3	3	3	3

Engine - Valve System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Hydraulic lifters	All Engines	All Engines	All Engines	All Engines
Operating tappet clearance	None	None	None	None
Intake and exhaust valve material	Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel	Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel	Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel	Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel
Intake and exhaust valve overall length	4.704"	4.704"	4.704"	4.704"
Intake valve head diameter	1.750"	1.750"	1.750"	1.750"
Exhaust valve head diameter	1.375"	1.375"	1.375"	1.375"
Intake and exhaust valve seat angle	45 degrees	45 degrees	45 degrees	45 degrees
Intake valve lift	.378"	.378"	.378"	.378"
Exhaust valve lift	.378"	.378"	.378"	.378"

Electrical - Ignition System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Coil and distributor make	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy
Spark plug make and model	AC 44	AC 44	AC 44	AC 44
Spark plug gap	.030"-.035"	.030"-.035"	.030"-.035"	.030"-.035"
Spark plug protection	Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover	Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover	Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover	Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover
Electrical supression	Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator	Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator	Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator	Distributor, Coil, Generator, Voltage Regulator

Electrical - Starting System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Starting motor make	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy
Engine cranking speed	Appr. 160 rpm	Appr. 160 rpm	Appr. 160 rpm	Appr. 160 rpm
Motor control switch, 3-position	Selenoid	Selenoid	Selenoid	Selenoid
Motor starting procedure	Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator	Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator	Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator	Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator

Electrical - Supply System	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Battery make	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy
Battery rating	12-volt	12-volt	12-volt	12-volt
Battery location	Left front fender skirt, under hood	Left front fender skirt, under hood	Left front fender skirt, under hood	Left front fender skirt, under hood
Battery terminal grounded	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative
Generator make	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy
Generator type	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt
Regulator make	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy	Delco Remy
Regulator type	Voltage and Current Control	Voltage and Current Control	Voltage and Current Control	Voltage and Current Control

Electrical - Horns, Lights	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Dual horn type	Vibrator	Vibrator	Vibrator	Vibrator
Outside and instrument panel lighting	Unified single-switch control	Unified single-switch control	Unified single-switch control	Unified single-switch control

Drive Units - Propeller Shaft	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Number and type	Singe, enclosed in Torque Tube	Singe, enclosed in Torque Tube	Singe, enclosed in Torque Tube	Singe, enclosed in Torque Tube
Drive thrust taken through	Torque Tube	Torque Tube	Torque Tube	Torque Tube
Torque thrust taken through	Torque Tube	Torque Tube	Torque Tube	Torque Tube

Drive Units - Rear Axle	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Type and gearing	Semi-Floating, Hypoid	Semi-Floating, Hypoid	Semi-Floating, Hypoid	Semi-Floating, Hypoid
Gear ratio, Synchromesh	3.9	-	-	-
Gear ratio, Dynaflow	3.2	3.36	3.36	3.36

Drive Units - Dynaflow Transmission	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Trade name	Variable Pitch Dynaflow	Variable Pitch Dynaflow	Variable Pitch Dynaflow	Variable Pitch Dynaflow
Transmission type	Torque Converter with Gears	Torque Converter with Gears	Torque Converter with Gears	Torque Converter with Gears
Acceleration shifting	Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives	Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives	Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives	Stator blades shift to "performance" pitch past full throttle, but no gear-change as in conventional drives
Governor shifting involuntary	None at any speed	None at any speed	None at any speed	None at any speed
Manual downshift through range selector	Not recommended over 40 mph	Not recommended over 40 mph	Not recommended over 40 mph	Not recommended over 40 mph
Mechanical lockup in direct drive	None	None	None	None
Type of transmission cooling	Water-cooled	Water-cooled	Water-cooled	Water-cooled
Total oil capacity	21	21	21	21

Drive Units - Synchromesh Transmission	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Clutch make and type	Buick, dry plate	-	-	-
Clutch facing material	Woven	-	-	-
Clutch inside and outside diameters	6.5-10.5"	-	-	-
Total effective facing area	106.8 sq. in.	-	-	-
Number of forward speeds	3	-	-	-
Helical gears	In all speeds	-	-	-
Lubricant capacity	2.5	-	-	-

Chassis - Brakes, Service & Parking	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Service brake type	Hydraulic - Internal Expanding	Hydraulic - Internal Expanding	Hydraulic - Internal Expanding	Hydraulic - Internal Expanding
Power brake with vacuum booster	Optional all Series with Dynaflow	Optional all Series with Dynaflow	Optional all Series with Dynaflow	Optional all Series with Dynaflow
Effective lining area	207.5 sq. in.	207.5 sq. in.	207.5 sq. in.	219.0 sq. in.
Brake drum material	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron
Brake drum diameter, front and rear	12"	12"	12"	12"
Brake lining material	Molded - Center Grooved	Molded - Center Grooved	Molded - Center Grooved	Molded - Center Grooved
Brake lining width and thickness, front	2.25 x .187"	2.25 x .187"	2.25 x .187"	2.25 x .187"
Brake lining width and thickness, rear	2.25 x .187"	2.25 x .187"	2.25 x .187"	2.50 x .265"
Parking brake operates through	Rear service shoes	Rear service shoes	Rear service shoes	Rear service shoes
Parking brake is set through	Foot pedal at left	Foot pedal at left	Foot pedal at left	Foot pedal at left
Parking brake is released through	Knob under instrument panel	Knob under instrument panel	Knob under instrument panel	Knob under instrument panel
Parking brake warning light, automatic	Optional	Optional	Optional	Standard

Chassis - Frame	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Type and description	Double drop, channel X center cross member, box type front cross member

Chassis - Steering	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Steering type used	Mechanical****	Mechanical****	Power	Power
Steering wheel diameter	18"	18"	18"	18"
Steering gear type, both mechanical and power	Ball bearing worm and nut	Ball bearing worm and nut	Ball bearing worm and nut	Ball bearing worm and nut
Standard steering gear ratio	29.2:1	29.2:1	19.8:1	19.8:1
Optional steering gear ratio with Power Steering	19.8:1	19.8:1	-	-
Turn diameter, curb to curb	41.6	41.6	43.0	43.0
Steering linkage type	Parallelogram	Parallelogram	Parallelogram	Parallelogram
Linkage tie rods	Two, Transverse	Two, Transverse	Two, Transverse	Two, Transverse

Chassis - Suspension, Front	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Front suspension type	Independent with Coil Springs	Independent with Coil Springs	Independent with Coil Springs	Independent with Coil Springs
Front coil spring material	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel
Shock absorbers	Direct Type	Direct Type	Direct Type	Direct Type
Front stabilizer	Link type mounted in rubber	Link type mounted in rubber	Link type mounted in rubber	Link type mounted in rubber

Chassis - Suspension, Rear	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Rear suspension type	Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube	Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube	Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube	Coil Springing, Drive and Torque taken through Torque Tube
Rear coil spring material	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel	High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel
Shock absorbers	Direct type	Direct type	Direct type	Direct type
Rear sidesway control	Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber	Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber	Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber	Tubular steel radius rod mounted in rubber

Chassis - Wheels and Tires	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Wheel type	Disc	Disc	Disc	Disc
Wheel size	15 x 5.50	15 x 6.00	15 x 6.00	15 x 6.00
Tire type	Tubeless	Tubeless	Tubeless	Tubeless
Tire size	7.10-15*****	7.60-15	7.60-15	8.00-15
Tire revs. per mile at 30 mph	750	735	735	723
Tire pressure, front and rear, cold	24	24	24	24

Visibility - Glass Area	Special Series	Century Series	Super Series	Roadmaster Series
Windshield (4-door sedan)	1,087.7 sq. in.	1,028.7 sq. in.	1,142 sq. in.	1,142 sq. in.
Total area (4-door sedan)	3,431 sq. in.	3,303.1 sq. in.	3,824.6 sq. in.	3,824.6 sq. in.
Windshield wiper make and type	Trico, Vacuum	Trico, Vacuum	Trico, Wide Angle	Trico, Wide Angle