So, I have the incorrect intake manifold gaskets. All the gaskets I have found so far (FelPro MS 9361 B-1) (Best Gasket RS572 G complete engine set which has their part number14045 intake gaskets in it) (The Ford NOS Engine set I also bought part number C0AZ-6008-E has 2 set of intake gaskets in it one with the cross over hole restricted and one set with the hole unobstructed---both of these like all the others previously mentioned dont sit on the sealing part of the intake.) None are incorrect for a 1955 Block 272...and I say 272 because that is what the block numbers are AND head numbers are. The 2 barrel intake manifold has EBZ-9425-D stamped on it. I just had a conversation with BEST Gasket and they have 3 part numbers for intake manifold gaskets 239 cid= their part # 14043. 256= BEST part number 14044 and 272= Best part number 14045. Since I know the 14045 doesnt fit, Ive ordered the intake gasket sets for the 239 and the 256...

Of course I only found out they didnt fit once I had everything back together and on start up the engine wanted to scream due to the major vacuum leak it had...I only checked that the intake gaskets fit the heads where the bolt holes were...I didnt pay any attention to how the gaskets covered the port sealing areas and did not try them on the ports for the intake before installing them...I need to use velcro on this engine to ease the tear down and put it back together.
Summary of what was found to lead up to this failure; 1. While the block IS a 272 the heads and intake are 256cid. Im not sure why that is but that is what it is. Once I got intake gaskets for a 256cid everything fits the way it is supposed to. intake manifold has casting" EBZ" which is for a 256 1954 through late 1956 also know as "the intake with the smaller ports" BestMfg part number for this particular application is 14044. Note to self and anyone else who might be like me....make sure you look at how the gaskets lay on BOTH surfaces they are sandwiched together with....or else you may not catch what might be incorrect...If I had turned my intake over and laid the gasket on it I would have seen they did not touch where the needed to...



The gasket is OUTSIDE the edge of the manifold there is a nice gap my finger nail fit into there.

Every brand and part number of intake gasket I have so far sits right AT the edge of where the sealing area 2 barrel intake EBZ-8420-D is this a 256 cid intake?

 

Intake gasket issue is solved please go to the first post and read the summary of the fix at the bottom..

 

EBY-9439-A Right & EBY-9441-A Left .. 256 Intake Manifold Gaskets

1954/55: B600/700 School Bus, C600/700 Cab Forward & F600.