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 Valve Stem Seal Sets, and Performance Engine Camshafts. 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.

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.

Find Your Specific 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines

Looking for the perfect Performance Engine for your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle. At Advance Auto Parts, we offer only the highest quality OEM and aftermarket Performance Engines, ensuring durability and a precise fit for your Pontiac Chieftain. Whether you’re driving a 1956 model or another popular model year like 1955, 1957, and 1958, we’ve got you covered. Purchasing Performance Engines from Advance Auto Parts is a smart choice, giving you access to trusted brands and parts built to perform. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle.

Essential 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines

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

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit

from

$429.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$32.49
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.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 195 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More
View Product

Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$29.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 180 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More

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

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Opens at 160 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More

(12 reviews)
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Competition Cams – Engine Valve Spring (Part No.988-16)

Engine Valve Spring

from

$119.99
Engine Valve Spring
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Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST (Part No.503-16)

VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST

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.

Product Features:
  • Work with .530″ guides and 11/32″ valve stem diameter
  • Valve stem oil seals keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber
  • Several different types of valve seals are offered
See More
View Product

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

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
View Product

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

Mutha' Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
View Product

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

Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
View Product

Competition Cams – 10 Degree Steel Retainer for 26120 Beehive Spring (Part No.795-1)

10 Degree Steel Retainer for 26120 Beehive Spring

from

$10.99
10 Degree Steel Retainer for 26120 Beehive Spring
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Most Popular Performance Engine Valve Springs for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains

Enhance your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain with one of the 3 Performance Engine Valve Springs we have in stock, starting at just $24.99.
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Competition Cams – 16 Springs (Part No.26995-16)

16 Springs

from

$401.99
16 Springs
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Competition Cams – Engine Valve Spring (Part No.988-16)

Engine Valve Spring

from

$119.99
Engine Valve Spring
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Competition Cams – 1 Spring (Part No.26995-1)

1 Spring

from

$24.99
1 Spring
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Best-Selling 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Set

Upgrade your Chieftain with our best-selling Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Set.
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Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST (Part No.503-16)

VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST

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.

Product Features:
  • Work with .530″ guides and 11/32″ valve stem diameter
  • Valve stem oil seals keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber
  • Several different types of valve seals are offered
See More
View Product

Top-Quality Performance Engine Camshafts for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Camshaft for Pontiac Chieftains and enjoy top-notch performance from $341.99.
show more show less

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

Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
View Product

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

Mutha' Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
View Product

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

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
See More
View Product

Top Picks for 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats

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

Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$29.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 180 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More

(20 reviews)
View Product

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

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.99
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.

Product Features:
  • Opens at 160 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More

(12 reviews)
View Product

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$32.49
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.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 195 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More
View Product

Performance Engine Rocker Arms for 1956 Pontiac Chieftains

Make a smart move for your 1956 Pontiac Chieftain with products all priced from $23.29 to $241.99.
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Competition Cams – Magnum Roller 1.52 Ratio Rocker Arm Set for Pontiac 265-455 with 7/16" Stud (Part No.1451-16)

Magnum Roller 1.52 Ratio Rocker Arm Set for Pontiac 265-455 with 7/16" Stud

from

$241.99
Perfect for street performance, our 8620 chromemoly steel Magnum roller tip rockers can handle up to 350 lbs of pressure. These 1451 rockers feature a 1.52 ratio for 7/16″ stud Pontiac 265-455.

Product Features:
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Competition Cams – Magnum Roller 1.52 Ratio Rocker Arm for Pontiac 265-455 with 7/16" Stud (Part No.1451-1)

Magnum Roller 1.52 Ratio Rocker Arm for Pontiac 265-455 with 7/16" Stud

from

$23.29
Perfect for street performance, our 8620 chromemoly steel Magnum roller tip rockers can handle up to 350 lbs of pressure. This 1451 rocker features a 1.52 ratio for 7/16″ stud Pontiac 265-455.

Product Features:
See More
View Product

FAQs for 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines

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

Out of 16 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 $10.99 up to $429.99 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 $164.29. 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?

The cheapest 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Performance Engines we carry are:

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

As of 6/2/26, 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.

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