Hi guys! first of all, I'm French, so I hope my english won't be too bad! I own a 1955 Ford Coutry Wagon that came out of the factory with a L6 engine and manual 3 speed transmission. It has been swapped with a stock 312 Y block, it still has the original Holley "teapot" 4 barels Carburetor and original ignition system with double vacuum capsules. I'd like to replace the carburetor, as it's not working properly : I can't adjust the mixture and idling, and there are missing parts on the choke system. I also plan to replace the vacuum distributor with centrifugal one (pertronix or msd maybe). that's where you may help me : what would be a good upgrade? 1 quad caburetor? two 2 barels? is there a quad that would fit on the original intake? I'm currently doing less than 11MPG. I'd like to get better mileage, but if I can't, I don't want it to be worse! (gas price here is $7.77 per gallon)
I ran 3x2 on the 312 that I raced when I was a kid. Eventually I went to a 2x4 setup byt 3x2 works real well on that engine. I also ran a mallory dual point mechanicle advance. There were not petronix or MSD distributers yet. We used to put holley 4160s on them as well. I am sure that we used an adapter but don't hold me to that memory isn't always what it is cracked up to be. they are a 600 cfm vac secondary carb and work real well on the Y block. You english is fine by the way. don't sweat it.
In the old days we used to swap out the "tea pot" carbs for Rochester four barrels off 322 Buicks or 303/324 Olds motors and they really worked well, started better, better performance and milage. I bought one a couple of years ago from NAPA not even a bad price. I am guessing there are not many NAPA stores in France but working Google might net you something. Don't waste time on that piece of junk you have now, they were a good basic four barrel in there time but never any performer to the best of my recollection. I am sure there will be others on here who will disagree but tht's ok too.
I actually liked them but I wouldn't run one in a performance situation. you are correct they were the beginnings of the four bbl for holley. I think I just liked the way they looked.
If its a 312 and it have the stock 4barrel intake a regular holley or Edelbrock fits the intake And some say you could modifie a regular 289-302 dist. to fit i havent tryed this my self so i dont know if its true
Thanks for you answers guys! I guess the 3X2 setup will be a bit too much for my cruising/light street habits. I had a look at the 4160 holleys on google. Some guys set up an 390cfm on a 272ci engine, some others say 450 to 550cfm for a 312. as my engine won't run more than 4500 rpm, which one would be the best ?
Welcome amigo. I changed to a two barrel manifold and ran the carb off my Torino. A 500 cfm holley. It was a little anemic but I didnt play with it enough because children happened and other things got in the way. I hope the motor isnt stuck.
You might want to check this site: http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/default.aspx There specific to that type of engine. Might get more help there. Just for kicks. Here's what I'm currently working on.
I went with the MSD distributor which corrected the ill tempered distributor and installed a Holley advenger 575 cfm 4 bbl. Over all performance is good at 19 MPG so its a little better in the gas department. I drive it hard and if I drove normal I am sure the mpg would be better.
I've been checking on the Holley website, using the interractive carburetor selector. could not find the 575 avenger, but found the 570 one, I guess it must be almost the same. Is it a direct bolt on? did you have trouble installing it? did you use an adapter?
The Tea Pot Holley has a small bolt pattern to use a 4150 Holley or Edelbrock Carb you will need an adapter,the manifold that accepts them without an adapter carries a code ECZ-B stamped on it.For a bit better mileage consider the Edelbrock Performer EDL-1404 500 CFM Carb which is more than enough for a 312 Y-Block.You should replace the distributor with a '58 or later unit the Load-O-Matic that comes with Tea-Pot cars is pure junk.Just to verify that you have a 312 look for the casting number located just above and behind the starter.
I've just had a look at the engine : the intake's code is ECZ 9.425-A, so I'll have to look for an adapter. all I can find are square bore/spread bore adapters, I don't think that's what I need? I could not look at the engine code, the car is parked very close to a wall and won't start because of a broken fuel pump you guys gave me some pretty large choice, it's hard to make my mind!
If it has dual lines going to the va***n advance it sounds like a 56 motor,the 54 to 56 distributors only advance with va***n only as they do not have a centrifical advance system like the 57 to 64 distributors and with a carb change I hear they dont run too good with the original distributor.
I have used a 500 Edelbrock on a one inch plastic spacer on the later model factory four barrel intake. You will need to open up the down tube runners just a bit with a dremmal. Easier than you may think to do. Another choice is one of the newer aluminum intakes sold by John Mummert. A very good choice for a street driven car would be a 58 distributor with a Pertronix set up in it, firing a Pertonix coil, the Blue Thunder heated manifold, and the Edelbrock 500 CFM carb with an electric choke. This with factory dual exhaust will make a good preformer, and give good fuel mileage.
thanks for the advice, but I'm on a budget and I'd rather keep the factory intake for the moment. I've been looking for an adapter, but I can't find one, could someone please point me to a website that would sell it?
I had a 55 Mercury with a 4 bbl in 1959 and there was a "O" ring seal about 1/4 inch (7mm about ) over a fuel line inside the carb that leaked on mine and the fuel mileage dropped to about the same as yours. Put a carb kit in it and all was well. Not sure how the 56s were made but ***ume they were similar.
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