Are the stock FOMOCO 2 barrel carburetors (c.1953) functional on the multi-carb intakes for the 8BA flatheads? I already have two of these carbs. Better suggestions? Also, it is my understanding that most(?) of the multi-carb(2-3) intakes for flatheads intentionally run the intake runners over and next to the exhaust(?) to heat the intake air. Is there an aftermarket multi-carb Flathead intake that addresses this? Designed to keep the intake air insulated from the exhaust? Thanks to all!
Yes you can use the Chandler-Groves (Holley) carbs in multiples. But you can’t use the original distributor with any multiples. To stop the exhaust from heating the intake, just pound two plugs in the top of the block before you lay the gasket on.
You can but……. The 8BA used the new Loadomatic Spark advance that debut in 1948 with the Ford F Series 8RT. In 1949 the new Ford car debut with the 8BA with the “modern looking” distributor that the trucks got in ‘48. The 8BA,8RT ignition system was completely vacuum controlled and was a marvel. Honestly it’s the best system for a stock 8BA/8RT. The main drawback, the distributor and carburetor were matched pairs. Thus the system did not work correctly with multiple carburetors. It is possible to run 2 94s by splitting the vacuum signal and fooling with the advance springs. It can be done with 2 94s. Petejoe on here has had some success doing this. The procedure is mentioned in the 1957 book, Fix Your Ford. It’s tricky but it can be done with 2 94s. Strombergs, late model 4bbls or triples , forget it. Now…….. Many just ignore the advance and set the Stock LOM distributor in the middle or the “best spot” and lock it down. This may actually do OK but the car will have no functioning advance. It may be prone to run rich, run hot and have poor fuel economy or lack of power in certain road conditions. This reason right here is why a well tuned stock engine out performed most hopped up engines in overall performance. This was written up then in the early/mid 50s.
So would a Mallory distributor with mechanical advance be a good match for a stock pair of 2 barrels?
I will be watching how this progresses as I am considering going back to a flathead in my 53 in place of the SBF.
The Mallory would work pretty well, however I think a converted Delco (Chevy) distributor would be better; you would have centrifugal and vacuum timing adjustment ability.
I've run both and prefer the Mallory, not because it worked better (they seemed to perform equally) but in the "looks" department. I think that a flathead, with it's "short" advance, doesn't benefit as much from the vacuum advance. Fuel mileage does not factor into my decision.
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