Need info on replacing the stock intake on a '54 Merc 256 cid engine.

My objective is to replace the stock carburator on a 256 merc engine with a later model 2 barrel carb and would like suggestions as to what intake can be used to replace the stock intake to accomplish my objective. Any suggestion are appreciated.
Thanks

 

The Y block V-8 239, 256 and 272 all used a similar carburetor. Just use your search engine to find one of these. They are usually available online.
Normbc9

 

If I remember correctly Ford went to the new style carb in 1957. A 1957 two barrel manifold off a 292 should be what you are looking for. It will take a Holley or Ford carb with the wide base. Do a test fit to make sure the manifold sits down properly on your heads. You may have to modify your throtle linkage.

 

There is an issue being overlooked, the 239 Y-block and the 256 Y-Block ('54 Merc & '54 Ford Police Interceptor) have smaller intake ports in the heads than 292 & 312 intakes which can cause mis-alignment and vacuum leaks.Better alternative is using your 256 Merc "teapot" intake with an adapter to the larger AFB/Holley pattern and running a Holley 390 CFM or 500 CFM Edelbrock Carb you will have two benefits,better cruising MPG with the smaller primaries and better acceleration when you need it.Also your 256 has a Load-O-Matic distributor which only plays nice with 1956 and earlier Carbs you can swap it out for this:http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...N-iyq5zZ9n80u?itemIdentifier=768101_111576_0_ You may have to swap distributor drive gears in some cases as some 1954's had a 13 tooth gear some had a 14 tooth distributor drive gear.