The Ford Barn

AnthonyG · 09-30-2014, 07:58 PM

Edelbrock 1403 manual choke or 1404 auto choke the way to g.o

Richard in Florida · 10-07-2014, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

Edelbrock 1403 manual choke or 1404 auto choke the way to g.o

The 1403 is electric choke, and the 1404 is manual choke.

From the Edelbrock web site:

34PKUP · 10-08-2014, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard in Florida

The 1403 is electric choke, and the 1404 is manual choke.

From the Edelbrock web site:

Picky, Picky, Picky- I have a 1404 with an electric choke. Does that make it a 1403 ? For that matter if I have a 1403 with no electric choke, does that make it a 1404 ?

AnthonyG · 10-08-2014, 07:54 AM

I went through the same research process when contemplating a 3 x 2 set up. The score on my post was about the same as this thread indicates.
1 - 3x2 has the biggest cool factor but also the biggest PIA factor setting up.
2 - Close to the same cool factor but much easier set up 2 X 2 either 94's or Stom's .
3 - Edelbrock great for the 4 barrel set up in the 500 cfm if your Flatty is modified a bit to take the higher cfm.
4 - Holley 390 for closer to stock engine lower cfm works better.

Mine is a medium modified 8BA and I was running an Edelbrock 500cfm and it ran great. I still have it and will use again in the future I suspect. For a little more cool factor I have tried a 4 barrel to 2x2 adapter from Speedway and went with the 2x2 with 94's. This setup with direct linkage was an easy set up and runs well. Wasn't sure about using the adapter but it runs great and lets carbs sit extra high which is a great look also.

Ol' Ron · 10-08-2014, 09:58 AM

I like the idea of the Edelbrock carb, because of it's ability to be tuned for both power and economy. However the ignition curve had a majoe affect on both and is sometimes ignored. I realize astecits are a big factor inthis hobby.

boogie · 07-16-2015, 06:41 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Yes, if i were to go racing, might use the 390. However the 500 Edl on a 276 when first installed got 8MPG after several tuning sessions it gets over 20 and runs better. It's a modern carb and tuning it is quite easy. However you must includ the ignition curve with it.

On your combo what pri. rods/jets/springs and secondary jets worked for you?

Thanks
boogie

37pickupproject · 07-23-2015, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

I like the idea of the Edelbrock carb, because of it's ability to be tuned for both power and economy. However the ignition curve had a majoe affect on both and is sometimes ignored. I realize astecits are a big factor inthis hobby.

How does your ignition curve compare to a stock distributor? How much timing are you running?

I'm going for a speedway intake and edelbrock 4 bbl for my 296ci. I was thinking of sending my crab to Bubba to have it rebuilt and converted to 12v electronic. What do you suggest I do for igntion?

GreenMonster48 · 07-23-2015, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogie

On your combo what pri. rods/jets/springs and secondary jets worked for you?

Thanks
boogie

They used set up #11 in the manual. .083 jets and the metering rods that came with the carb. I used this same set up on the flathead in my avatar and it's working great. I ordered the whole jet/spring kit, but you might be able to get away with just ordering the jets.

jimTN · 07-23-2015, 06:50 AM

What was the original application for the 390 carb?

scooder · 07-23-2015, 07:33 AM

Jim,
The 390 cfm Holley is purely aftermarket I believe, so no original application.
Can't say for definite, just from vague memory.
It is in my opinion a tad on the small side even for stock flatheads. The 465 cfm seems ideal. If you haven't got it, get JWL's book. This will give you the dyno numbers.
Given the choice of 390 Holley or 500 edelbrock, I'd go with the edelbrock. Can't argue with Richard's findings.
Martin.

russcc · 07-23-2015, 03:26 PM

Anyone have experience running one of Barney's original 4 barrel manifolds with the Holley 390 CFM ? I was looking for one of his original ones because I believe he always had the best designs and casting quality. Did Navarro engineering make a 4 barrel manifold for the 59AB ?

wga · 07-23-2015, 03:34 PM

Ran a Navarro 4V intake on a 59AB in my 47, with a WCFB. Nice combo. Still have the intake, an original.

JonC · 07-23-2015, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Dupont--Me.

Well, I've always been the odd ball, I know the right 4bbl runs good but to me it just don't look right on a flathead. I've run everything on my 40coupe with 276, right now I'm running 4 97's direct linkage, carb set up by Mad Max, 18mpg on secondary roads, I'm sure I'd get 20mpg on turnpike, of course I'm running a T-5 with 3:50 rear gears. Runs just as smooth as one carb, If you figure CFM 4-97's is over 600cfm. Any body want a ride? Walt

Walt I want a ride, I'll say please if it helps.

38convsedan · 05-12-2023, 04:36 PM

I’m considering Edelbrock intake and Edelbrock 500 for my 8BA.
Can you walk me through a how to and components needed?
How are the accelerator and fuel lines modified?
Thanks in advance!
Steve

38 coupe · 05-13-2023, 12:20 PM

38convsedan, you are running an 8BA yes? Are you currently running the stock distributor and carburetor? If yes, be aware you will also have to change the distributor when you go away from the stock carburetor.
The 500 cfm four barrel is probably larger than your engine will like.

Pete · 05-13-2023, 03:47 PM

I am surprised the "traditional" police haven't been all over this thread. It has been here a LONG time....LOL

Electronic fuel injection works far better.

aussie merc · 05-13-2023, 06:01 PM

Seems to me that the overriding factor here is carb sizing .Get that right and it all seems to work , its all about air flow thru the carb giving the correct signals cam and compression have some bearing but in the end not that much just need to match air flow with the sweet spot ..

tubman · 05-13-2023, 06:30 PM

I think you're right. I had a 390 Holley on a 276" Merc with a MAX-1 cam, and Offenhauser heads about 25 years ago. it seemed about right. I just wish I knew then what I know today. I'll bet it would have been even better.

A couple of years ago, I tried adaping a Quadrajet from a 3.6 liter Buick V6 to a 258 ci Flathead, that also had heads and a MAX-1. It did not work at all. I think it was the disparity between the size of the throttle bores on the Q-Jet to those on the Sharp 4-BBL manifold I was using. It was so bad that I abandoned he project almost immediately before I ruined a fresh engine.

38convsedan · 05-13-2023, 10:41 PM

38 Coupe,
Yes…I’m running an 8BA..
In reviewing posts on the subject it looks like there are 390 and 500 schools of thought.
Those in the 500 camp comment on ease of tuning…
I understand the 4 bbl will require an updated dizzy..,

jimTN · 05-14-2023, 06:26 AM

What is wrong with the Rochester carb, simple and no metering rods to worry with.

09-30-2014, 07:58 PM	#61
AnthonyG Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Pa. Posts: 2,174	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? Edelbrock 1403 manual choke or 1404 auto choke the way to g.o __________________ Nomad

10-08-2014, 07:54 AM	#64
AnthonyG Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Pa. Posts: 2,174	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? I went through the same research process when contemplating a 3 x 2 set up. The score on my post was about the same as this thread indicates. 1 - 3x2 has the biggest cool factor but also the biggest PIA factor setting up. 2 - Close to the same cool factor but much easier set up 2 X 2 either 94's or Stom's . 3 - Edelbrock great for the 4 barrel set up in the 500 cfm if your Flatty is modified a bit to take the higher cfm. 4 - Holley 390 for closer to stock engine lower cfm works better. Mine is a medium modified 8BA and I was running an Edelbrock 500cfm and it ran great. I still have it and will use again in the future I suspect. For a little more cool factor I have tried a 4 barrel to 2x2 adapter from Speedway and went with the 2x2 with 94's. This setup with direct linkage was an easy set up and runs well. Wasn't sure about using the adapter but it runs great and lets carbs sit extra high which is a great look also. __________________ Nomad

10-08-2014, 09:58 AM	#65
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? I like the idea of the Edelbrock carb, because of it's ability to be tuned for both power and economy. However the ignition curve had a majoe affect on both and is sometimes ignored. I realize astecits are a big factor inthis hobby.

07-23-2015, 06:50 AM	#69
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? What was the original application for the 390 carb?

07-23-2015, 07:33 AM	#70
scooder Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2,593	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? Jim, The 390 cfm Holley is purely aftermarket I believe, so no original application. Can't say for definite, just from vague memory. It is in my opinion a tad on the small side even for stock flatheads. The 465 cfm seems ideal. If you haven't got it, get JWL's book. This will give you the dyno numbers. Given the choice of 390 Holley or 500 edelbrock, I'd go with the edelbrock. Can't argue with Richard's findings. Martin.

07-23-2015, 03:26 PM	#71
russcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,871	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? Anyone have experience running one of Barney's original 4 barrel manifolds with the Holley 390 CFM ? I was looking for one of his original ones because I believe he always had the best designs and casting quality. Did Navarro engineering make a 4 barrel manifold for the 59AB ?

07-23-2015, 03:34 PM	#72
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 900	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? Ran a Navarro 4V intake on a 59AB in my 47, with a WCFB. Nice combo. Still have the intake, an original. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer.

05-12-2023, 04:36 PM	#74
38convsedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2022 Location: Lakeland Florida Posts: 377	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? I’m considering Edelbrock intake and Edelbrock 500 for my 8BA. Can you walk me through a how to and components needed? How are the accelerator and fuel lines modified? Thanks in advance! Steve Last edited by 38convsedan; 05-12-2023 at 04:51 PM.

05-13-2023, 12:20 PM	#75
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? 38convsedan, you are running an 8BA yes? Are you currently running the stock distributor and carburetor? If yes, be aware you will also have to change the distributor when you go away from the stock carburetor. The 500 cfm four barrel is probably larger than your engine will like.

05-13-2023, 03:47 PM	#76
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,409	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? I am surprised the "traditional" police haven't been all over this thread. It has been here a LONG time....LOL Electronic fuel injection works far better.

05-13-2023, 06:01 PM	#77
aussie merc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: sydney australia Posts: 1,034	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? Seems to me that the overriding factor here is carb sizing .Get that right and it all seems to work , its all about air flow thru the carb giving the correct signals cam and compression have some bearing but in the end not that much just need to match air flow with the sweet spot ..

05-13-2023, 06:30 PM	#78
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? I think you're right. I had a 390 Holley on a 276" Merc with a MAX-1 cam, and Offenhauser heads about 25 years ago. it seemed about right. I just wish I knew then what I know today. I'll bet it would have been even better. A couple of years ago, I tried adaping a Quadrajet from a 3.6 liter Buick V6 to a 258 ci Flathead, that also had heads and a MAX-1. It did not work at all. I think it was the disparity between the size of the throttle bores on the Q-Jet to those on the Sharp 4-BBL manifold I was using. It was so bad that I abandoned he project almost immediately before I ruined a fresh engine. Last edited by tubman; 05-14-2023 at 07:28 AM.

05-13-2023, 10:41 PM	#79
38convsedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2022 Location: Lakeland Florida Posts: 377	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? 38 Coupe, Yes…I’m running an 8BA.. In reviewing posts on the subject it looks like there are 390 and 500 schools of thought. Those in the 500 camp comment on ease of tuning… I understand the 4 bbl will require an updated dizzy..,

05-14-2023, 06:26 AM	#80
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: 4bbl carb on flathead? What is wrong with the Rochester carb, simple and no metering rods to worry with.