1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines

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Keep Your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain in Top Shape with Quality Performance Engines

Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Performance Engine, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Valve Springs, Performance Engine Camshaft and Lifter Kits, and Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Sets. Whether you’re replacing a damaged part or enhancing your truck’s style and protection, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done right.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $242.56, with a range that starts at $11.99 and goes up to $451.99. With 7 options in stock from 2 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like Competition Cams Valve Seals, 503-16, Competition Cams Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-601-5, and "Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384"" 2 Spring, 988-1" start at just $11.99 and offer a great balance of form and function.

Explore Related Parts

While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Engine, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Fuel Systems and Performance Ignition Products. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines

Edelbrock – Edelbrock Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit, 2157 (Part No.2157)

Edelbrock Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit, 2157

from

$376.99
“Edelbrock Performer-Plus Camshaft No: 2157 is designed for 350-455 Pontiac V8 engines and produce optimum torque from the low-end to the mid-range. Performer-Plus camshafts should be matched with Performer manifolds for vehicles operating from off-idle to 5500 rpm. The Performer-Plus No: 2157 is a smooth idling cam for daily drivers, trucks, vans, RVs and 4x4s. You can expect a major improvement in throttle response and torque. In the manifold section you’ll find torque graphs showing the power gains from Performer manifolds and Performer-Plus cams. All camshafts include flat tappet lifters (except for cams designed for use with stock roller lifters), assembly lube and instructions. This cam produced 387HP and 439 Ft Lbs of Torque when paired with Performer intake manifold No: 2156 and Performer RPM cylinder heads No: 60599. Camshaft specifications: – Intake duration: 204 Degrees – Exhaust duration: 214 Degrees – Intake lift: .420″” – Exhaust lift: .442″” – Lobe separation: 110 Degree – Intake Center Line: 105 Degree – Vacuum: 15″””
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Competition Cams – Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit, CL51-600-5 (Part No.CL51-600-5)

Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit, CL51-600-5

from

$451.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Competition Cams – Competition Cams Valve Seals, 503-16 (Part No.503-16)

Competition Cams Valve Seals, 503-16

from

$223.99
COMP Cams offers a complete line of valve stem seals, from the umbrella seals to the positive-stop Teflon seal. These seals are a must to keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber through the clearance in the valve guides. The umbrella seal is normally used when a larger-than-stock diameter spring is used, in the case of a double spring, the positive-stop Teflon seal is used. The umbrella seals require no machining, but with the Teflon seal it is necessary to disassemble the heads and machine the top of the guide with a special .530 diameter cutter. Whenever you are planning an engine overhaul or a cam change, don’t forget the valve seals.
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Competition Cams – "Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384"" 2 Spring, 988-1" (Part No.988-1)

"Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384"" 2 Spring, 988-1"

from

$11.99
“Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384″” 2 Spring, 988-1. ”
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Competition Cams – Competition Cams Big Mutha’ Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-602-5 (Part No.51-602-5)

Competition Cams Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-602-5

from

$325.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Competition Cams – Competition Cams Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-601-5 (Part No.51-601-5)

Competition Cams Mutha' Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-601-5

from

$325.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Competition Cams – Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-600-5 (Part No.51-600-5)

Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-600-5

from

$325.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Mr. Gasket – Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper, 4363 (Part No.4363)

Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper, 4363

from

$31.99
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.
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Most Popular Performance Engine Valve Spring for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains

Enhance your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain with this popular Performance Engine Valve Spring we have in stock, for $11.99.

Competition Cams – "Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384"" 2 Spring, 988-1" (Part No.988-1)

"Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384"" 2 Spring, 988-1"

from

$11.99
“Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384″” 2 Spring, 988-1. ”
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Best-Selling 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine Camshaft and Lifter Kit

Upgrade your Chieftain with our best-selling Performance Engine Camshaft and Lifter Kit.

Competition Cams – Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit, CL51-600-5 (Part No.CL51-600-5)

Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit, CL51-600-5

from

$451.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Top-Quality Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Sets for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Set for Pontiac Chieftains and enjoy top-notch performance from $223.99.

Competition Cams – Competition Cams Valve Seals, 503-16 (Part No.503-16)

Competition Cams Valve Seals, 503-16

from

$223.99
COMP Cams offers a complete line of valve stem seals, from the umbrella seals to the positive-stop Teflon seal. These seals are a must to keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber through the clearance in the valve guides. The umbrella seal is normally used when a larger-than-stock diameter spring is used, in the case of a double spring, the positive-stop Teflon seal is used. The umbrella seals require no machining, but with the Teflon seal it is necessary to disassemble the heads and machine the top of the guide with a special .530 diameter cutter. Whenever you are planning an engine overhaul or a cam change, don’t forget the valve seals.
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Top Picks for 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine Camshafts

Invest in one of our 3 durable Performance Engine Camshafts for your 1956 Pontiac, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

Competition Cams – Competition Cams Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-601-5 (Part No.51-601-5)

Competition Cams Mutha' Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-601-5

from

$325.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More

Competition Cams – Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-600-5 (Part No.51-600-5)

Competition Cams Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-600-5

from

$325.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More

Competition Cams – Competition Cams Big Mutha’ Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-602-5 (Part No.51-602-5)

Competition Cams Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam, 51-602-5

from

$325.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More

Our Top-Rated Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains

Make a smart move for your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain with our Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat for $31.99.

Mr. Gasket – Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper, 4363 (Part No.4363)

Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper, 4363

from

$31.99
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.
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FAQs for 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines

What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains?

Out of 7 Performance Engines that fit 1956 Pontiac Chieftains, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines?

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1956 Pontiac Chieftain range from $11.99 up to $451.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1956 Pontiac Chieftain?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1956 Pontiac Chieftain is $242.56. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Performance Engine category, where you are likely to find a wide range of prices across a variety of parts and components.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for other Pontiac Chieftain model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 2 model years of Pontiac Chieftains between 1955 and 1958. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1958, 1957, and 1955.

What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1956 Pontiac Chieftain?

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1956 Pontiac models?

Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 1 other popular 1956 Pontiac models. Some of the most popular are 1956 Catalina Performance Engines and 1956 Star Chief Performance Engines.

What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1956 Pontiac Chieftain?

The one 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine we have in stock is the "Competition Cams Valve Spring, 1.384"" 2 Spring, 988-1". It costs $11.99.

What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1956 Pontiac Chieftain?

As of 8/2/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1956 Pontiac Chieftain:

Can I get help with 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Pontiac Performance Engines and more.

What is your return policy for Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.