Carb issue 312 4 bbl

[Tomelleriaj]

I am helping out my neighbor with her 1957 t-bird. From what I understand it has a 312 CuI engine with the original carb. I assume that it is a Holley. Is there a stamped number I should be looking for to get the correct rebuild kit? Did this motor come with a Holley 2173? Where would I get the parts? Additionally the car is missing the transmission kick down linkage. Is there a supplier for the linkage as well?

 

[paul2748]

The original carb (automatic trans 312) was ECZ9510AD, List # 1273-1. The replacement carb from Ford was ECZ9510V, List 1272

Numbers are on the air horn. Both were Holleys.

The model carb is 4150 - ask for the kit for that number.

 

[gbhrps]

tomelleriaj,

My past dealings with Hill's Thunderbird Center, Racine, Ohio, (1-800-562-1955), leads me to believe they have a source of used parts on site, and may well have the linkage you are seeking.

Recently I gave another forum member here this source for a part not listed in their (Hill's) catalogue. He replied in his next post that they indeed had found one for him. Its certainly worth a try.

Good Luck!

 

[DreemKiller]

Interestingly enough, there's an article on carbs and distributors in the latest Early Bird magazine - I was reading it this morning.
Summary: The original carbs and distributors were quite bad. It recommends replacing the carb with a new Edelbrock. The author seems to have achieved quite good results with the swap.

 

[paul2748]

While the Edelbrock is a good carb and I run one on two of my cars (though not my 56 TBird), the problem is that the stock air cleaner will not fit without modifying (cutting)..

Finds some one who is good in rebuilding Holleys.

The alternative is a new carb from Holley. Holley still makes a replacement (435CFM if I remember correctly) but the fuel inlet is different from original. CASCO sells a kit to fix the interference with the air cleaner.

 

[WDOMAKR]

312 4 bbl

Paul- can you confirm the 435 cfm. I have a 57 with not an original 4 bbl and seems over carbureted. Will be replacing with the Edelbrock. If 435 is correct then will purchase the 500 cfm model, unless they have a 450, which I cant find.
Thanks
Bob

 

[paul2748]

Bob - It was around 435-450 - not exactly sure. The 500 Edelbrock will be okay. The smallest Edelbrock is 500 CFM.

Paul- can you confirm the 435 cfm. I have a 57 with not an original 4 bbl and seems over carbureted. Will be replacing with the Edelbrock. If 435 is correct then will purchase the 500 cfm model, unless they have a 450, which I cant find.
Thanks
Bob

 

[WDOMAKR]

Many thanks for the info. Holley on my Cobra is quirky, in the process of replacing it with Proform 750 cfm double pumper. Will avoid Holley on Bird and go with the Edelbrock..
Bob

 

[DreemKiller]

Article in Early Bird Jan-Feb 2014

This month's issue of the Early Bird magazine has another article on carburetors, this time defending the Holly teapot. Their defense of the Holly is basically, "It has to be repaired and overhauled correctly, and it's fairly difficult". It's worth a read if you are considering a carb swap or a rebuild.

I'm not sure they've convinced me not to go with the Edelbrock, though. If it's that much trouble, is it really worth it? That being said, I don't really want to change the look of my engine compartment that much, and I certainly don't want to cut up my original air cleaner.

 

[paul2748]

The carb in this thread is not a teapot but the later (57) Holley (assuming its a "D" bird because he didn't say any different.)

If you have a 55 or 56, Mike Suter (PA) does an excellent job in rebuilding teapots. Teapots can be modified (very simple) to be used with the 57 and later distributor. I had it done and awaiting better weather to change over.

This month's issue of the Early Bird magazine has another article on carburetors, this time defending the Holly teapot. Their defense of the Holly is basically, "It has to be repaired and overhauled correctly, and it's fairly difficult". It's worth a read if you are considering a carb swap or a rebuild.

I'm not sure they've convinced me not to go with the Edelbrock, though. If it's that much trouble, is it really worth it? That being said, I don't really want to change the look of my engine compartment that much, and I certainly don't want to cut up my original air cleaner.