Spencer Nice to see someone else from Utah on the list! Seems like we get a soul or two every once in a while from the Beehive State but not too many. You will find tons of information about your 56 by going to this link: http://www.imperialclub.com/YearbyYear/1956/index.htm The 56 is quite a popular model here and you will find all kinds of great people to help you with your questions. By chance did you purchase this car up in Ogden? In reference to your engine question a couple of ideas. I have had good luck using a "motor flush" in the past. Many will advise against this as some engines will start burning oil or develop some other seal problems like valves, etc. once all of the old crud and deposits are cleaned out. Also some will say that if large pieces break loose they could get lodged into a cylinder wall. Myself, I would rather do this a couple of times to get all of the crud out and then diagnose the engine properly for compression to see where, if any, the problems may be. I also believe that sooner or later some of these crud will loosen anyway just from normal operation so if I can get it cleaned up now, the better chance I have of driving the car longer before overhaul. If it is time for a rebuild there is no quick fix. But it is important to have clean, fresh fluids of all kinds in the car. This includes antifreeze, trans fluid, rear end grease, power steering and brake fluids as well as the oil. Another idea if you are nervous about using a flush would be to remove the valve covers and the oil pan and clean them up good and replace the gaskets. These are the two areas where most all of the sediment will congregate. Myself, I do both. Most of the old hemi engines won't need a complete overhaul but more likely just some top end head work or valve job. In your area if you need some good mechanical advise look up Steve Hinckley at Hinckley Dodge. He will steer you down a straight road. By the way I live up in Vernal, so holler if you ever get this way! Whiteshoes -----Original Message----- From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Leslie K Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2002 2:42 PM To: Multiple recipients of list mailing-list Subject: IML: Please WELCOME a new Member Spencer Boggs '56 New Subscriber(s): Spencer Boggs Email Address is: twisstedt@xxxxxxx Member Location: slc utah Car(s) owned: 1956 chrysler imperial 354 Hemi. 4 dr. red w/ white hardtop Self-Introduction: I love my imperial, and wish to find any information reguarding parts,services, restoration and maintanance tips. at the moment my chrysler has a good body w/ slightly oxidized paint(looks absolutely perfect when wet),the interior has been redone, i need weather striping for the wing windows and possibly the power windows, the engine needs some work (turns new oil black relativly fast) , probly needs head work, i'm not sure and my lack for accuate diagnosis hold me back. so feel free to offer any suggestion. thanks.