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Ford flathead carb and intake confusion

8K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  rcgerchow 
#1 ·
I am looking to rebuild a 47 Ford flathead and have read the"How to build or hop manuals" that seem like ancient history. I am considering trying to build a somewhat traditional reliable motor. I have run across a four barrel manifold for my "flatie" and understand the cfm requirements. I sure would like to use a modern carb and electric fuel pump (to solve vapor lock problems), has anybody succesfully used a four barrel set up? If possible what did you use and the problems associated with the set up? Or should I stick with the 2x2 set ups?
 
#2 ·
There's 2 reasons you don't see many 4bbl flatheads, one is that it doesn't have the eye candy appeal of the multi carb setups(which are plentiful in the used market) and the carb pattern, at least the ones I'm familiar with, is for an old style 4bbl. You can get an adapter plate and adapt a small Holley or Edelbrock/Carter carb and it should work great. I think I would probably run a 390cfm Holley, I know it's small but the demand and the rpm generated will probably be fed sufficiently.
 
#4 ·
I have seen the 4 barrel on a 50 Merc. I believe the intake was an Offy and he also had an alternator fitted to the old generator bracket. His motor was tricked out with finned aluminum heads and he was tied into an overdrive tranny and could cruise 70+, he said. Really a neat car. I would go with the 4 barrel, an old 63-65 Rochester 4GC should work fine and should not be very hard to find. The electric fuel pump output should be dependent on the pressure requirements of the carb. The 3.5 psi should work but again, depends on what your selected carb calls for. (may be a little high for the
Strombergs, and by the way, you will pay dearly for the Strombergs.).

Trees
 
#6 ·
Speedway Motors in Lincoln Nebraska and Patricks in Casa Grande Arizona
can hook you up with the Offy intake. Patrick probably can help with the carbs too. If you opt for the 2 duece setup and you use Hollys, remove the
power valves and plug them! Those two carbs give way more fuel than you need, lower the floats a little and you won't get so much gas leakage...I -haven't seen any that do not seep some,-easy clean up of that handsome intake with some lacquer thinner on a cotton ball. I ran 2 dueces with 2 1/2
lbs. of pressure. You might go for the Offy heads as well, just be sure to
deck the block so they will seal well. I have never had a problem with
vapor lock with a flathead ford(my first car was a '50 Lincoln) but if you wish
to use an electric fuel pump they are available in (here's where I get in
trouble) 6volts! Good luck!
 
#7 ·
flatheads

Amazing I just got my Speedway catalog today. They have a great looking 4bbl intake and matching carb set-up. Probably will go with elec. fuel pump after making the 12 volt conversion, want to stay away from pressure regulators as they are just another link in the chain. Saw the Offy heads they look great, but $795.00 for a crank. Hope I can find a used one.
 
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