Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1959 Edsel, hollander interchange manual, 1959 edsel ranger

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1959 Edsel Ranger with 3.65 l, 223 cu in L6 engine.  My question is will the 1956 223 L6 ford engine fit my 59.  Will intake and exhaust manifols fit the 1956 engine.
Thanks

ANSWER: Hello,

All components between these 2 engines should interchange.

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Bob. Should interchange and will inerchange, big difference. Can you be more positive (or negative) with your answer.  I could make a very costly mistake.
Thanks You

Answer
Hi Ted,

Understand where you're coming from! Been there, done that! I did research this at the macro level which indicated these engines are identical. You're requesting a confidence level another step down which is possible but not without checking things out further according to the suggestions below:   

To take this to the next level, you're going to have to do some additional work. For example, if this were my car, there are 3 ways to absolutely make sure these components fit. This is, beyond possible physical damage due to cracks, warping or age, etc. It goes without saying that the replacement castings must be correct and square for them to work properly, as correct but damaged parts still won't work even on an engine they're designed to. For example, it's very common to have a machine shop take a shallow cut off the mating services of the castings to make sure these surfaces are square and level. So:

Step 1, make sure you have good part to begin with.

Step 2, take the part numbers from each of the castings and look them up in an era appropriate Hollander Interchange Manual. The Hollander was used by the junk yard dealers of the time to determine exactly what you are: to determine which parts cross between the years and which don't.

Step 3: Go to your local Edsel drivers club and talk to the club technical expert(s). They can go "beyond the book" and tell you what fits, what fits best and what doesn't from practical experience. They can even help save you $$$ as they'll know which castings have a reputation for durability and stabilty which there's others you'd better check.

My personal preference is to start with Step 3 and work backward. No book or inspection can take the place of years of experience. In the absence of experts, start at Step 1 and move forward. It may be slower, but you'll arrive at the same place eventually.

Best of luck to you. Hope this approach will help you auger down another level and gain additional insights into your Edsel.

Best Regards,

Bob