AFAIK, the head gasket is the same 53-62. The block passages may be different between 53-62, but the oil travelled from block to head in the same place on all years 53-62.
My manuals mentioned the lifter groove needed in the 55-62 engines. Others here have pulled the 1/8 pipe plugs and spun oil pump with drill in their search for oil. It could be a simple thing like crud, wrong lifters, missing line, or pipe plug screwed in too far.
good luck
chip
