New Project...Questions about original equipment

[onepyramid]

About to purchase a new project, but have some questions about originality...

E7FH172544
40 QE XJ 20M53 0096P

I decode this fine, but shouldn't an E-code engine be dual 4V set-up? This car has singe 4V and original single carb air cleaner. Did some E code cars come with the singe 4V carb?

No soft top, or frame for said, in this car. Did all cars come with soft tops, or were some just outfitted with hardtop?

Thanks, in advance, for your consideration.

[voltron]

All E cars came with 2 x 4 barrel carbs. Some one removed the E set up over the years. The T-Birds could come with only the convertible top, or only the hard top, or with both tops, depending on how it was ordered.

[ICON 1956]

It seems somebody switched the manifolds from a dual to a single, This happened to a member her father's had a E code. She asked the same question when she got it back. BTW my 56 came only with a soft top and a tonneau cover according to the build sheet I have.
Here's a few pictures of the E Code with out the twin chrome cover and with the twin chrome top

[55blacktie]

As is often the case, a single 4-barrel will run as well/better than 2x4 and is simpler to tune. However, multiple carburetors do look impressive. Hopefully, the E-code valley pan is still on the engine. You might want to look for the correct E-code manifold, carburetors, and air cleaner in case you ever want to show the car/sell it.

[paul2748]

With mention of the special e-code valley pan, there is a man that reproduces them, I think using a stock D code pan.

[ward 57]

Never would have known there was a difference, but why? What's the difference?

[Joe Johnston]

Difference is required because the bottom of the intake is lower and will hit the standard valley pan. I too have modified a couple to make standard one's work.

[Jimntempe]

Difference is required because the bottom of the intake is lower and will hit the standard valley pan. I too have modified a couple to make standard one's work.

What's needed besides a hammer?

[MarkR]

If memory serves, a few years ago Ted Eaton, Lorena Tx., was manufacturing E code valley pans.

[55blacktie]

I wouldn't start hammering on your valley pan to provide clearance for a 2x4 intake manifold. The stock valley pans are prone to leakage. It doesn't take much to bend/deform one. Simply removing/installing it without removing a cylinder head can bend it, if you're inexperienced/not careful.

[paul2748]

For precisely that reason (warpage) I installed aluminum valley pans from John Mummert on both of my Y Blocks. Didn't have to remove a head to either remove the old one or install the new one on one of the cars, the other went on when I rebuilt the engine.. No more leaks. Painted the correct color, hard to notice that it is not the stock one, but the oil fill tube is at a different angle..

I wouldn't start hammering on your valley pan to provide clearance for a 2x4 intake manifold. The stock valley pans are prone to leakage. It doesn't take much to bend/deform one. Simply removing/installing it without removing a cylinder head can bend it, if you're inexperienced/not careful.

[55blacktie]

I bought an aluminum valley pan from acecustoms.com. I had a difficult time communicating with them to place my order, due to covid lockdown in New Zealand. However, I am pleased with my purchase, but haven't installed it. I did do a pre-fit test by laying it down between the heads; no problem. It's polished/w fins to match dress-up valve covers, and the price was right. They're good people to work with, once you reach them. The ETA was 21 days, but it arrived within 2 weeks. The exchange rate is favorable as well.

[tnswt12]

For valuation purposes, I would think you would want to seek out the E parts and reinstall.

Granted the 2x4 carbs come with lots of baggage about reliability, but my E car performs beautifully with double carburation. I just can't imagine it any other way.

[paul2748]

The tea pot carbs are good carbs, but they have their own oddities. I suggest to others that they be rebuilt by some one who really knows these carbs. There are a couple of re-builders who are very good in doing a rebuild.