I had planned on putting a 3x2 on my 292 to replace the stock 2bbl. I have the vintage Edelbrock 356 intake, and a mess of Holley 94's. Yesterday, I was talking to the owner of a local shop, been here 35 years or so. He told me that since I have an automatic transmission (Cruise-o-matic), my throttle linkage is different. He said he's put 3x2's on Y-blocks with my type of linkage, but due to the angle of the linkage to the transmission it was a constant pain in the *** to keep the 3x2 linkage in synch. I may not be explaining it clearly, but he showed me what he was talking about and it made sense. The easier route would be to just get a single 4bbl intake off a 312, slap on a 4bbl Holley, and see if I can track down a Cadillac air cleaner with the dual side intakes. The 3x2 was more for visual eye candy to me, and I already have most of the parts. That was the primary thought behind that route. I know I can pick up a 312 intake, and a 4bbl cheaper than it's going to cost me to rebuild the 94's, and purchase the 3x2 linkage parts I still need. I thought I had things planned out, but when he pointed that out, it kinda threw me a curve ball. Thoughts? Opinions?
To my intake and carbs I had to add: 3 rebuild kits (75) , linkage and parts (90), 3 air cleaners (60), fuel block (20), pressure regulator and guage (50), gaskets and misc. for my many restarts (40). That's adding another ~350 bucks. Extra parts and misc. included fittings for the fuel line to carb, and there were throttle bases and jets and power valves that would probably add some more to the expense. Many parts weren't used or useable but it's still cool to have 3 deuces on top of my Y. This isn't meant to discourage you... the aluminum 4V manifold (Mummert's) is pretty expensive (350-400) by itself. So's the Caddy air cleaner. For easier... go 4V... for cool, go 3-2's. opinionated, himmelberg
For the 312 intake, I was thinking more along the lines of just picking up a stock 4bbl manifold. With all the little bs problems I've had with the whole car this week, I'm about ready to push it into the street and set fire to it! (kidding, but you know that feeling) Thank you both for your input.
I know what you mean about setting fire to the son of a *****...I had a 3x2 and ended up pulling it and puting on the 4 bbl. if you want something that is not going to cause you a bunch of head aches the 4 bbl is the way to go. if you want something that looks *****en especialy on a open engine bay car the 3x2 is the way to go. By the way there are two manifolds for the 4 bbl y block. make sure it is the -b model. I have both if you are interested in buying them.
Bottom line. Use whatever turns you on. This is hot rodding , not convience/easy rodding. If you go against your desires you'll always have that feeling of "what if I'd....." Frank
Frank nailed it. As for which flows better, the 4-barrell intake is really good. Factory-ECG-9424-B (1957 Police interceptor 312 intake). Mummfert's Blue Thunder piece is VERY nice. Pricey yes, but really kick***. As for tri-power intakes the edelbrock piece is the best flowing unit. Offey's and the Ansen(RARE!) are very similar and do not flow very well. Hope this helps...
If you go the four BBL route, make sure you get a 57 or later intake. The earlier ones have a different bolt pattern for the carb and will not take a later carb without an adapter. The 57 and later intakes are known as the "B" intake - last letter of the casting number
I understand that, but if I keep having problems with a system, it no longer gets to be fun. It starts to seem more like work! I like to drive my Ford, so a certain amount of reliability is desired.
Frank, I had an Edelbrock 553 set up including carbs, linkage and air cleaners. Also a 57 -B cast iron intake. Sold 'em both to get the Blue Thunder. To offset the $ of the Blue Thunder, bought a factory rebuilt Edelbrock 600 cfm Performer carb ($189 delivered). VERY pleased I did. Best way to run 3X2s and get reliable performance is to uise blanking plates under the front and rear carbs and just run one 2. By the way, I also changed to a 57 distributor to work w/ the new setup. TC
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