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There were two different Data Plate styles and several formats for the code letters/numbers used from '55 to '57. To help avoid too much guesswork please post a closeup photo of the actual data plate you're asking about. IIRC, data plates with Transmission and Axle codes on the second line...

Since you didn't ask where to find the block ID letters I'll guess you saw the example photos at the 'Technical' link I included above. Do you have a use for the engine? Along with evaluating its condition check on parts & machine shop prices, they may be higher than you expect.

Is the exhaust smell fairly strong? Have you checked the spark plug color recently? There's a good chance it's running rich. This spark plug chart may help out.

I agree. Even with a '57+ carburetor if mine sits more than a week it seems the carb bowl is empty. If less than a week it starts easily. When driving around town (under 45/50 mph) I leave the hood unlatched so the back edge sits up about an inch to help let heat out. When hiway driving I latch...

To match the number of teeth on two different styles of camshaft. Fyi, 12127 is the base portion of the ID number for virtually any distributor part. A few example photos to help ID Y-block distributors. 1. '54 to '56. Loadomatic, vacuum canister operated timing advance only 2. '57 to '59...

In about 2014 I had a '54 256 (EBY block & heads) that I needed to get rid of, long story. To find out if it was junk or sellable I asked a local old-school machine shop owner. At that time after tearing it down he said it was just new enough for internal parts to be available, but if it had...

Are you rebuilding it to stay original to the vehicle? A '54 239 is a one-yr-only engine with some parts that aren't compatible with other '55 to '64 pieces. Examples: camshaft and its bearings, distributor & oil pump drive, fuel & water pumps, intake manifold to head port size . . . Specialty...

Here's why I asked the questions I did... A couple years ago the fuel pump in my '55 was failing and couldn't keep up at all. Hard to start and didn't want to run If the exhaust smell is pretty strong something may be causing the carb to run too rich. Hopefully the following is relevant...

Not that I have a clue what might be wrong but just to provide info to others... How long does it sit between cold starts? A couple days? A couple weeks? Have you checked the fuel pressure? Is there any soot in the exhaust outlets? What color?

If you disregard the over the bumper '55 T-Bird tail pipes, that continental kit does look much like these examples of aftermarket / dealer add-ons. .

If you haven't found it yet... https://prestigethunderbird.com/

They appear to only have this page about the steering column but it's Not for the same problem. https://www.ctci.org/gilsgarage/1955-56-57-thunderbird-steering-column-repair/ .

Back in the day, life expectancy of an average 50's car was about 10 years. Outright replacing or future updating of a drivetrain likely wasn't that high on the manufacturers list of worries. There are assembly line pictures from back then showing an assembled chassis with its complete...

If the ribbed chrome locking collar won't turn clockwise you may need a strap wrench or one of the specialty wrenches to turn it. There is no set screw to release it in normal operation. Its threads do get rusty from lack of use. Not sure where you'd put penetrating oil for that I haven't had to...

An original '56 fuel tank sensor has heated bi-metal on/off switching contacts not a variable resistor. Those switching contacts limit current flow thru the dash gauge and tank sensor. The dash gauge converts heat into needle movement. Because there is no variable resistor in the tank sensor any...

Photo 1. You are correct, there's a vacuum line from the carb to the vacuum can on a '57+ distributor. Yellow circles, '57 4bbl setup on a '55 engine. (old photo, unfinished installation) A '57+ distributor with mechanical advance does get a signal from a '57+ carb but it's used more to 'fine...

Vacuum for a '57 distributor would normally come from a 'ported' vacuum fitting on a '57+ carburetor. That ported vacuum signal is nearly opposite manifold vacuum as it comes from above the throttle plate. First image attached below. Some earlier carburetors can be fairly easily modified to...

You're welcome. I'm glad it's working for you. Like other ideas it came to me in the middle of the night after completely giving up on it the evening before. :o

In a particular position? Technically no, as long the wires for each function line up, especially the L and R turn signal connections. But the more jumbled up they are the harder you make it on yourself. After an engine compartment repaint I wanted an easy to follow pattern for later trouble...

The photo of the two switch shafts & knobs on green with rain drops was from an ad on ebay. I bought the short one. It fit right in without sticking out like the other one