thunderbird engine

292's were used in early TBirds for all three years. Ford used it as an advertising gimmick for the sedans. In 1955, the only engine was a 292.

The sedans had essentially the same engine as the TBirds, but there were differences that were TBird specific.
 
The 312's were an option starting in '56. Yes, Ford used the 'Thunderbird' name on 292's and 312's in their other cars for marketing/sales purposes, often with optional 4bbl carb and dual exhaust.

The '55/'57 T-Bird has a longer/lower/narrower engine compartment than the sedans and some of the different parts are; exhaust manifold, oil pan, water pump spacer, timing cover/motor mounts... so the engine would fit into the car. But the basic 292/312 block is the same as other Ford (& Mercury) vehicles.

Various performance engine options were usually offered in T-Birds or other top-of-the-line models first, but by '57 could be special ordered or dealer installed in effectively any Y-block powered car.

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As Paul brings up, the Ford cars used a 272 as the Ford V8. The option for the 1956/1957 Ford cars was the 292 being the 'Thunderbird V8' and the 312 being the 'Thunderbird Special V8'. When you see a '57 Ford car with the Thunderbird V8 decals on the valve covers, it's likely correct if the engine code is a C, D, E, or F.
 
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