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Old 08-22-2014, 01:19 PM   #1
joe plumber
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Default Four barrel

Anyone running a four barrel carbureator on a 53 flathead? I am thinking about removing my two 97's and installing a four barrel .
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Old 08-22-2014, 01:24 PM   #2
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Default Re: Four barrel

Yep i have ran a Holley four barrell on our 1949 Ford f100 for a few years , works like a champ! Also we have dynoed the engine and the truck more than once as we raced it on the salt in 2006 and the last two years at The Ohio ECTA speed track etc.
We run a 350 gear and a five speed , racing in forth gear however i drove the truck to louisville and back last year to a car show. Runs great in 5th gear at highway speeds.
The 390 Holley works very good right out of the box however the torque and hp drop off at higher rpm. For racing we use a bigger unit a 600 holley.
We have changed jets a few times but nothing drastic. Dyno sheet on present engine is 181 hp at 4300 rpm with the 600 holley.........
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Old 08-22-2014, 01:37 PM   #3
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Default Re: Four barrel

Thanks for the reply . I won't be doing any racing , just street driving .The engine has an Isky 77 cam and Offenhauser heads...Transmission is a c-4 and rear end is a10 bolt C ---y.
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Old 08-22-2014, 01:37 PM   #4
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Default Re: Four barrel

I ran a 390 cfm Holley on a '40 Tudor I once had. It ran well right out of the box. The engine was an 8ba with Offenhauser heads, intake and a mild cam. It made a good combination.
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Old 08-22-2014, 01:40 PM   #5
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Default Re: Four barrel

I also ran a 390 on my 8BA in my '35 slantback w/T5....really nice combo.
I just installed the carb and ran it out of the box.......
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Old 08-22-2014, 01:42 PM   #6
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Default Re: Four barrel

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I had a 390 Holley on a 276"Merc in a '36 3-window. Worked great out of the box and was never any problem. I have no idea how much HP it made, but I do know I could break a rear axle almost at will on my "Traditional Hot Rod" (factory-style Ford drivetrain).

Right now, I am re-building both a WCFB ('54 Chrysler) and an early Rochester 4V ('53 Olds). I want to try them on my '51 Ford. I have both Edmunds and Fenton manifolds, so when I get done, I should be pretty experienced with these set-ups.
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Old 08-22-2014, 02:06 PM   #7
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Default Re: Four barrel

The nice thing in regards to the 390 for a street flathead is the over all adjutability. The vacuum secondary is perfect as is but can be really tuned by replacing the vacuum spring. The spring determines the load at which the four barrell comes in. I would suggest buying the vacuum part that allows spring changes without removing the diaphram and a spring assortment.
I run one of these on my on my sons 1918 dodge with a slant six as well, a couple springs and its perfect !!!!
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Old 08-22-2014, 02:18 PM   #8
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Default Re: Four barrel

Ran a Holley 390 for a while and it ran well right out of the box but when I decided to set it up with fuel efficiency in mind using an A/F meter I found it to be overly rich on the idle circuit and could not get it to idle slow enough ( auto tranny ) . Was told and also read that Holley uses the secondary circuit as part of the idle circuit in an effort to prevent fuel stagnation in the secondary bowl due to lack of use. I have since changed over to a used Edelbrock 1404 which I rebuilt and what a difference in tunability. Needless to say the 390 is now bringing enjoyment to someone else.
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Old 08-22-2014, 03:07 PM   #9
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Default Re: Four barrel

I run a 500 Edelbrock #9904, little too much out of the box for my 8BA, mildly worked, probably about 150 plus HP. had to go with the smallest jets and metering rods so it run smooth at lower rpm's and wouldn't keep fowling the plugs.Runs great with those mods. In hind sight with the experience I'd go with the Holley 390.
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Old 08-22-2014, 03:22 PM   #10
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Default Re: Four barrel

What is the difference in the Edelbrock 1404 and the 9904?

And

Is the Holley better for gas mileage than the Edelbrock?
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Old 08-22-2014, 03:25 PM   #11
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Default Re: Four barrel

I'm running an 8 bbl on my 276 street car, 40 coupe, T-5, and 3.50 9in., hot track cam, direct linkage, Accually 4-97s set up by Uncle Max, 18mpg on regular driving, 20 or better on the pike at 60mph, Spark plugs runs white. Walt
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Old 08-22-2014, 03:33 PM   #12
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Default Re: Four barrel

What did the 390 come on to begin with?
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Old 08-22-2014, 04:11 PM   #13
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Default Re: Four barrel

I think the Edelbrock 1404 is the best choice for the flathead as far as tuneability is concerned. You'll need the tuneup kit and an AF meter would help. Unfortunately they come with the #5 jet/rod setup which is very rich. The #11 is better but for our application the #8 has given the best mieage with out ruining the burn outs. But every application is different and the 390 is a good carb and in the right hands can be made to give good fuel mileabe. As they say "To each his own"
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Old 08-22-2014, 04:24 PM   #14
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Default Re: Four barrel

JimTn
I don't think the 390 was used on any car as an OEM carb. Aftermarket only. Filling a need, I suspect
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Old 08-22-2014, 05:30 PM   #15
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Default Re: Four barrel

Quote:
Originally Posted by BUBBAS IGNITION View Post
The nice thing in regards to the 390 for a street flathead is the over all adjutability. The vacuum secondary is perfect as is but can be really tuned by replacing the vacuum spring. The spring determines the load at which the four barrell comes in. I would suggest buying the vacuum part that allows spring changes without removing the diaphram and a spring assortment.
I run one of these on my on my sons 1918 dodge with a slant six as well, a couple springs and its perfect !!!!
Where does one purchase the vacuum part that allows spring changes without removing the diaphragm ?
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Old 08-22-2014, 05:35 PM   #16
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Default Re: Four barrel

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I think the Edelbrock 1404 is the best choice for the flathead as far as tuneability is concerned.
Mine has been great on my fairly serious 276. In most tuning cases, you can make changes without even removing the carburetor from the manifold.
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Old 08-22-2014, 06:24 PM   #17
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Default Re: Four barrel

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What did the 390 come on to begin with?
The original #0-6299 390 CFM came out as a street/competition carb in the late '70s/early '80s for 4 cylinder Pintos and Vegas. This one has a special float and reversed power valve to prevent high speed vibration common on the 4s. Part # 0-8007 390 should be used on 6s and small 8 cylinder engines.

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Where does one purchase the vacuum part that allows spring changes without removing the diaphragm ?

Part # 20-59 quick change vacuum secondary diaphragm housing cover can be purchased at most speed shops along with Jegs and Summit.
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Old 08-22-2014, 10:21 PM   #18
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Default Re: Four barrel

Yep, the 8007 is the carb to use.
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Old 08-22-2014, 11:24 PM   #19
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Default Re: Four barrel

Have run a 8007 with a Max 1 cam and headers on mine for over 25 years. 8BA .40 over.
Has run perfect from day one.
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Old 08-23-2014, 12:50 AM   #20
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Default Re: Four barrel

Read johns book it may help you out on your choice.
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Old 08-23-2014, 09:28 AM   #21
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Default Re: Four barrel

Joe, Be aware that the OFFY 4 bbl. manifold has the generator mounting flange offset 7/8 inches towards the driver side of car. Because of this the 8BA crank pulley and fan pulley will not line up vertically. Use an EDELBROCK intake.
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Old 08-23-2014, 09:37 AM   #22
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Default Re: Four barrel

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Joe, Be aware that the OFFY 4 bbl. manifold has the generator mounting flange offset 7/8 inches towards the driver side of car. Because of this the 8BA crank pulley and fan pulley will not line up vertically. Use an EDELBROCK intake.
Unless the offset fan poses an interference problem with an installed fan shroud, the 7/8" offset makes no difference in normal operation.
Just ask the 100's who are using an Offy manifold and don't even realize that it is offset.
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Old 08-23-2014, 10:08 AM   #23
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Default Re: Four barrel

Plus, the generator will also be "offset" and may not be pleasing to some folks.
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Old 08-23-2014, 10:31 AM   #24
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Default Re: Four barrel

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Plus, the generator will also be "offset" and may not be pleasing to some folks.
To 'please' myself when I discovered that I was going to have fan shroud interference I fabricated a 7/8" offset fan hub mount to put the fan on center
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Old 08-23-2014, 10:34 AM   #25
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Default Re: Four barrel

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To 'please' myself when I discovered that I was going to have fan shroud interference I fabricated a 7/8" offset fan hub mount to put the fan on center
I fabricated a piece to move the fan shroud over 7/8". Both ideas will work
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Old 08-23-2014, 10:41 AM   #26
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I fabricated a piece to move the fan shroud over 7/8". Both ideas will work
Good idea, had the same thought but my shroud wraps on both sides of the radiator and uses the mount bolts for the radiator.
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Old 08-23-2014, 11:59 AM   #27
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Default Re: Four barrel

40cpe, same carb, 1404 is new 9904 is rebuilt by Edelbrock, I should've just said 1404. Just had the 9904 on the brain from when I purchased.
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Old 08-23-2014, 01:47 PM   #28
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Default Re: Four barrel

Hmmm,
'52 Olds Rochester 4 barrel........all mechanical, no vac flapper secondaries.
Tune it w/ A f meter. Big plus, it looks and is vintage. I've got a bunch of them out
there.
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Old 08-23-2014, 02:07 PM   #29
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40cpe, same carb, 1404 is new 9904 is rebuilt by Edelbrock, I should've just said 1404. Just had the 9904 on the brain from when I purchased.
OK, thanks Anthony
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Old 08-23-2014, 03:23 PM   #30
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Default Re: Four barrel

I got a edelbrock manifold and a 52 olds wcfb these manifolds were made for early carters and rochesters,the olds has the linkage on the pass side to boot,its ready to go on my 41 w/50 merc engine,has offy heads isky cam reds headers and smittys..oldskool
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Old 08-23-2014, 03:32 PM   #31
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Default Re: Four barrel

What about the slant you have as a result of the manifold being for a 49-53? I would think that would pose a problem installed in a 41 where the top of the manifold was level. I have one of those and have thought about having a wedge machined to make the carb set level.
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Old 08-23-2014, 03:50 PM   #32
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Default Re: Four barrel

I asked a question the other day 're 8BA manifolds on an early engine in an early car ( flat level engine) answered by Ol Ron and Walt, be done loads of times, not a problem worry ye not, type of thing. Pay it no mind.
Martin.
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Old 08-23-2014, 03:56 PM   #33
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I got a edelbrock manifold and a 52 olds wcfb these manifolds were made for early carters and rochesters,the olds has the linkage on the pass side to boot,its ready to go on my 41 w/50 merc engine,has offy heads isky cam reds headers and smittys..oldskool
Your hot air to the choke, is it like the late Merc manifold set up, where the air is heated in a tube inside the heat riser of the manifold then drawn in to the choke? The Merc uses filtered air drawn from the carb top cover. Wher is your air "in" is it the little hole I see in the opposite heat riser? Not saying "it should be filtered" just trying to be clear on how yours is done.
Many thanks.
Martin.
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Old 08-23-2014, 04:00 PM   #34
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Default Re: Four barrel

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What about the slant you have as a result of the manifold being for a 49-53? I would think that would pose a problem installed in a 41 where the top of the manifold was level. I have one of those and have thought about having a wedge machined to make the carb set level.
my engine is a 1950 mercury
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Old 08-23-2014, 04:29 PM   #35
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Default Re: Four barrel

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What about the slant you have as a result of the manifold being for a 49-53? I would think that would pose a problem installed in a 41 where the top of the manifold was level. I have one of those and have thought about having a wedge machined to make the carb set level.
I didn't like the looks of the angled carb flange when installed in my '40' so I milled the carb flange parallel to the bottom of the manifold.
It took about twenty minutes to setup & mill. Now it looks right.
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Old 08-23-2014, 05:43 PM   #36
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Default Re: Four barrel

How about these, Charlie?
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Old 08-23-2014, 06:35 PM   #37
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Default Re: Four barrel

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
Joe, Be aware that the OFFY 4 bbl. manifold has the generator mounting flange offset 7/8 inches towards the driver side of car. Because of this the 8BA crank pulley and fan pulley will not line up vertically. Use an EDELBROCK intake.
I plan on using the alternator that I am using now .It looks like the same bracket should work.Thanks for all the info guys ,appreciate it

Last edited by joe plumber; 08-23-2014 at 06:37 PM. Reason: Add words
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Old 08-23-2014, 06:52 PM   #38
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Default Re: Four barrel

Kahuna,
I er a well geez........that is...........I love it. Did you fab the intake ?
Please let us us all know how it runs....it'll be awesome !! Plus it's difernt.
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Old 08-23-2014, 09:31 PM   #39
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Default Re: Four barrel

The intake was cast by Ken Austin (Austin Rod Shop) in Oregon for me. It actually runs real well, after getting the correct jetting, power valves, etc.
A fellow in PA (Mike Suter) was a great help in telling me what was needed, and what modifications to make to get them to run properly. They are 1956 Ford 4 bbl carbs and needed some changes to run right/
The manifold is, as far as I know, the only one.
It's marked ADQ1 (Austin dual quad #1)
Regards
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Old 08-24-2014, 09:20 AM   #40
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Default Re: Four barrel

Ran the Carter WCFB for many years on my 8-BA. No adapter needed. Fits right on the Offey intake like it was made for it. Great carb if you can find one.
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Old 08-24-2014, 09:24 AM   #41
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Default Re: Four barrel

Kahuna
Looks great, can you tell us what is in the engine ? Size, cam, etc?
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Old 08-24-2014, 04:28 PM   #42
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Default Re: Four barrel

Hi Ron
It's a 59 block @ 284 CI, with a Potvin 425 cam
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Jim
PS-Ron, I understand that your old buddy Ray Foote has moved out of Cal. Don't know what happened to all the stuff
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