Carb Replacement

[stevegintn]

Happy New Year, Guys! - hunting season is over, and I'm jones'ing to get back to my '62 project.

For starters, I never did get the choke to work properly - still very hard starting on a cold day. I had asked about installing an electric choke, but now am considering to just replace the old 4100 with the Holley 750 cfm (that comes with an electric choke).

Here's the one that Mac's has:
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_thun ... choke.html

Does anyone use this carb? - are there any issues (esp linkage - am hoping that it will just connect right up?)

I am already missing the dashpot and down-shift connecting rod on mine - will those be necessary?

Apprec any feedback!

[GeoffInCarlsbad]

HI Steve:

I recently replaced my Autolite 4100, where I could just not get rid of that nasty hole in the acceleration curve. I chose to go with the Edelbrock 1406. this is a 600cfm 4-barrel, good for these 390 FE motors. It was recommended to me by 2 of my good mechanic friends, and a third person whom I have great respect for, as he has been working with these late 50's/early 60's T-Birds for 40+ years.

It went on easily, and I could eliminate the carb spacer I had in there. the Edelbrock has 3 vacuum ports: ported (timed), manifold, and PCV. So I could run my PCV line right into the carb. also has an electric choke, so I ran that line back to my fuse box, so that it does not turn on with simply the ACC turned on.

I also replaced my Air Cleaner with an open Edelbrock 14" model, and a new Pertronix Distributor, with Igniter 2, and a new Flamethrower 2 coil.

I have not problems starting, accelerating, etc; all the frustrations I had for 18 months trying to rebuild that old Autolite.

I did not consider a Holley only because these three folks all independently recommended the Edelbrock. And it was not terribly expensive via Summit Racing.

Also, you are considering a 750CFM. I have read several posts about 600cfm v. 750cfm. It appears that the 750 models are just not as effective for those 390 FE motors. I have no opinion, but that's what I have read.

[stevegintn]

Thanks, Geoff! - I will look into an Edelbrock (at this point I am just window-shopping). I am not looking for any improved performance as much as I am basic functionality (esp, easy starting).

What was the cost for yours? (the Holley is on Ecklers/Macs for $350)

[GeoffInCarlsbad]

Hi Steve

I bought the Edelbrock 1406 on Summit Racing for $334.00. No tax, no shipping costs. Here's the link:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1406

Edelbrock had recommended that I buy the throttle linkage adapter kit, but you don't need it. The throttle linkage rod will go into the arm of the Edelbrock, you instead of the classic clip, you can use a different fastener to keep it on the rod.

Other than that, it was a very easy installation.

Good luck! With either brand (Holley or Edelbrock), you will be happy.

If you have any questions, feel free to call (760) 412 2029.

~g

[stevegintn]

Hi Steve

I bought the Edelbrock 1406 on Summit Racing for $334.00. No tax, no shipping costs. Here's the link:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1406

Edelbrock had recommended that I buy the throttle linkage adapter kit, but you don't need it. The throttle linkage rod will go into the arm of the Edelbrock, you instead of the classic clip, you can use a different fastener to keep it on the rod.

Other than that, it was a very easy installation.

Good luck! With either brand (Holley or Edelbrock), you will be happy.

If you have any questions, feel free to call (760) 412 2029.

~g

Awesome! - thanks again, Geoff

I did find it on Summit Racing (but had 'mixed' reviews). So I will be taking my time on a decision.

Also, the Holley I mentioned has 'dual fuel inlets', so I would need to buy the dual line attachment (another $25).

How is Summit on returns? (in case I don't like the EB) - Mac's has always been great.

[stevegintn]

P.S. I have a '61 parts car, if there is anything you need?

[GeoffInCarlsbad]

Hi Steve:

yes, the Edelbrock didn't need anything else special, as it is a single fuel port, etc. Over the years, I have never had any issues with Edelbrock's stuff, but there's always some exceptions, right? But between me, my mechanic friends (40+ years each) plus a T-Bird specialist, we have all felt the 1406 a solid performer. It's not build to be a true "performance" carb, and perhaps folks were disappointed in that, but I have not read all the reviews.

Summit is really good about exchanges. they send along return shipping labels as part of the paper invoice when delivered, and they have never questioned any return I have made. They have very friendly phone and chat service, and find their technical staff pretty knowledgeable. But I spoke directly to Edelbrock to get the real scoop on stuff. They are close to me in Torrance, CA, so it's easy for me to make contact.

As for parts, as a matter of fact I may be needing a passenger side exhaust manifold! I am working to repair a leak I have, and I'll know once I get if off the motor tonight or tomorrow.

[stevegintn]

Hi Steve:

As for parts, as a matter of fact I may be needing a passenger side exhaust manifold! I am working to repair a leak I have, and I'll know once I get if off the motor tonight or tomorrow.

Good deal - I have both of the old manifolds off my '62 (assuming they will work on a '61?) and *might* be able to get the ones off my '61 parts car? - just let me know, thanks

And if I go with the EB carb, I will be calling you, with questions

[Mheiron]

I run a Holley 650 and all my carb issues disappeared. The 650 fits nicely under the stock air cleaner.

I tried and tried to get the "so-called" rebuilt Autolites to work but never could. It was like flushing money.

I also don't run the choke. Don't need it here in Texas but the car starts when it gets near freezing anyway. The carb has a choke blade but it appears to be mechanically locked open.

I like reliability if I can get it and I've never looked back on the Holley decision!

The dashpot was used on A/C cars to mitigate stalling as I understand it.

You will want to hookup the transmission kickdown rod. You need it for passing.





Good luck!

[stevegintn]

I run a Holley 650 and all my carb issues disappeared. The 650 fits nicely under the stock air cleaner.

I tried and tried to get the "so-called" rebuilt Autolites to work but never could. It was like flushing money.

I also don't run the choke. Don't need it here in Texas but the car starts when it gets near freezing anyway. The carb has a choke blade but it appears to be mechanically locked open.

I like reliability if I can get it and I've never looked back on the Holley decision!

The dashpot was used on A/C cars to mitigate stalling as I understand it.

You will want to hookup the transmission kickdown rod. You need it for passing.

Good luck!

Decisions, Decisions! Lol!

Thanks, Mark - you answered a couple of my questions (kickdown assy and stock breather). Only thing I don't ike is your comment about "choke blade but it appears to be mechanically locked open" - that doesn't sound right? (maybe it's bc you don't have the choke electrified?)

If you saw my original post, I was looking at a Holley 750 (with dual fuel inlets) from Mac's - where did you get your 650?

[GeoffInCarlsbad]

There you go! LOL! Everyone has an opinion, just to make your life easier! LOL! Whichever direction you go, you will be happy, because a 56 year old Autolite is just that....and like me at 56, it'll never be the same! LOL!

[Mheiron]

When I bought the carb. it was specified as no-choke.

I'll have to dig to find where it came from!

To find one, I'd start by googling Holley!

[ozbird]

I am already missing the dashpot and down-shift connecting rod on mine - will those be necessary?

If you cannot locate the rods etc for the downshift connection, I used a Lokar kit like this https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/ ... /overview/ - you may also need to get the carburettor bracket but the link shows you recommended parts.

Works well for me, does not in any way look stock but could get you out of a bind.

Graeme

[Mheiron]

For the file;

Holley has a carb. sizing tool on their website under tech support. The results are of course application specific but for a stock 390-ci and a max rpm of 4,000-rpm, it recommends a 600-cfm carb.

[stevegintn]

I am already missing the dashpot and down-shift connecting rod on mine - will those be necessary?

If you cannot locate the rods etc for the downshift connection, I used a Lokar kit like this https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/ ... /overview/ - you may also need to get the carburettor bracket but the link shows you recommended parts.

Works well for me, does not in any way look stock but could get you out of a bind.

Graeme

Thanks, Graeme! - I will definitely look into this item

Do you know offhand, what the missing bracket looks like? (is it maybe a stock item, I may already have on my car?)