Hey everyone, I've got the opportunity to get a Weiand BD4 for the 322 in my Mercury (wanting to go to dual quads for the "WOW" factor, it just isn't there with the stock manifold and stock WCFB). Just curious if anyone has any experience with this manifold on their Nailhead? There's VERY limited info out there on it (even on this site), but I know Weiand is generally considered to be some pretty quality stuff. Only issue I'm having in my head is I want to go to with AFBs, and the intake is the smaller WCFB pattern so I need to get the adapters for that part of it. Thanks for your info and time, as always.
I can tell you they are way way better than the Offy. Your photo shows the WCFB is a small base from the original Buick and this manifold. I would get the manifold and get a second Buick restored matching carb. Buicks are pretty easy to find on the “bay” restored. (There is a sight for all the #’s) If yours has the br*** tag and you can another it would be the best. I had to do it with Oldsmobile WCFB’s. You can go straight or progress with the linkage. I have never been unhappy using these early carbs; they have been trouble free for 7 years.
Thank you for the info. That's my engine and current stock WCFB in the first pic. How about air cleaners for fitment with the WCFBs? Any issue using the common available units with the adapters available from Obrien Truckers?
I was just contemplating this on my way into work this morning! I have not had a chance to install my weiand yet as I seem to have the exact opposite problem from you! I ended up with a set of matched WCFBs and accidentally bought the larger pattern intake. I see you are in Missoula, If you want to trade intakes let me know, I am in spokane Wa.
The Weiand spread center is greater than the one I’m using. These are Harley Davidson covers with Charlie Price or Obrian small top adapters and EMPI VW air filters. The HD covers have a cut out that helps them with my tight fit. Second photo is with a 1956 NASCAR Purolator air cleaner. I actually mad a set using sauce pan lids from a kitchen supply warehouse; they are aluminum. No photo of them.
With the Weiand manifold its more like a early Corvette dual quad setup as the carb mounts are spread apart vs a Edelbrock that keeps the carbs as tight together as possible, similar to the intake on Jimmy Six's motor. So have to be careful with the one big air cleaner style, with that Weiand intake you could get away with running the stock factory dual quad air cleaners the 56/57 Vettes had.
Those all look really good, thank you guys for your help. I went ahead and bought the intake (friend from another forum has it). I'm going to be going with twin finned air cleaners like these to keep my whole "theme" going underhood:
Excellent and a good choice……. You will never be sorry. Unless you go blown, the most sought after mid 50’s forward look will always be dual quads. To me 3-2’s don’t stand a chance unless it’s a flathead.
I don't know if still available; but the Ford oval air cleaner has been reproduced. It was produced with 3 different bottoms: (1) Ford 2x4 (2) Ford 3x2 (3) Unpunched I have used a number of these on multiple carb setups; but ALWAYS set the manifold and carbs in the vehicle on the engine, then measure where to punch the bottom. (Don't ask me how I know this !). The thin air filter element was also reproduced, making a air cleaner that the filter could be changed as necessary. Jon
Intake showed up today, super nice condition, fella even bead blasted it for me.....now the decision of polished or painted like I did the stock one....I'll know more when I start mocking **** up.
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