Question on my 56 Dodge Pickup engine

[Guest neverraisetheriddler]

I recently purchased a real nice little Dodge 1/2 ton pickup. I was told by the former owner that the engine (it is a V8) was rebuilt about 40,000 miles ago and that it is indeed a Hemi. I'm the furthest thing from an expert but it doesn't look like a Hemi to me. It sits very low down in the engine compartment (lo-block??) and the intake manifold gives the appearance that it is a bunch of tubes or channels under the carb (not a 4 barrel) rather than being solid like most I've seen. One person told me it's a 270 and someone else said it's a 272. Can anyone identify this engine for me please?? What ci's and hp's is this V8??

I'd certainly appreciate any information anyone could provide. The engine number is; 84279686.

Thank You,

DR

[Young Ed]

This is the 270CI hemi that was in my former 55 dodge car. In 55 and I believe 56 as well the v8 was 270 CI and came in either poly or hemi. The shop manual calls them single or double rocker shaft motors. The difference between hemi and none is the heads rockers valve arrangement etc. Look how the heads hang down below the bottom of the block deck. Also the biggest clue is the spark plugs down the middle of the rocker cover on the hemi.

[Guest neverraisetheriddler]

I appreciate your input. The engine looks the same but the plugs on mine are at the bottom of the valve covers. I guess that means itr's not a Hemi. Do you have any clue what the HP output is on the 270??

Thanks Again, Dick

This is the 270CI hemi that was in my former 55 dodge car. In 55 and I believe 56 as well the v8 was 270 CI and came in either poly or hemi. The shop manual calls them single or double rocker shaft motors. The difference between hemi and none is the heads rockers valve arrangement etc. Look how the heads hang down below the bottom of the block deck. Also the biggest clue is the spark plugs down the middle of the rocker cover on the hemi.

[Young Ed]

I don't recall the HP off hand. I think the diff was only about 25 between the hemi and non hemi. They could both be had with 2bbl or 4 I believe. I know I looked them up somewhere before-I'll look when I get home.

[Reg Evans]

Here's a photo of my early 56 Truck engine. It's a 260 Poly rated at 169 HP. The later 56 trucks engines were a slightly larger 270 rated at a bit more HP.

[Guest neverraisetheriddler]

Thanks very much to both of you. This is the engine that is in my truck.

That helps a whole lot.

Dick