Quote:
Originally Posted by 55GMCX2
Larry,
I'm the guy that Bill has been helping out with the tubes. Thanks for taking the time to test fit the 57 tube in the 56 head. So far, I've only been able locate a set of tubes from a 58 engine. Too bad these won't fit my 55 heads.
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Glad to help Steve, we are fortunate to have Bill's help, he's been of considerable help to me also.
I think the 57/58 tubes will fit into the 56 heads with just a little work. The 57 tubes can be inserted in the 56 heads down to near the center exhaust port from either end. Looking though the head cavity where tubes are inserted, it looks like it is the same profile all the way through. Knocking out the rust down towards the center of the head cavity MIGHT allow the tube to go all the way through. If it doesn't then a little grinding would likely create the necessary clearance. Trouble is, grinding out metal way down in those cavities might be a bit difficult.
Now the question is "are the 56 heads same as 55?" 56 heads have slightly larger exhaust ports and different rocker studs but but I suspect 55/56 are the same where the tubes are inserted, they use the same tubes.
So if you have access to 58 tubes and can't find 55/56 tubes, I suggest trying them with the understanding that you can return them if they can't be made to fit. Even if you get "stuck" with the 58 tubes and can't use them, you will have something valuable for others and probably quite desirable on ebay.
Question??? What happened to your original tubes? Were they in bad condition when the heads were removed?