39 motor which 4 barrel?

[johndee138]

I'm setting up a 39 motor and have a 49-53 Offy 4bbl intake I would like to use up top. Which carb to use, and what about center outlet water neck interference with the carb body? I am sure someone has worked this out in the past.
Thanks Barn!

 

[Andy]

i run a 54 Buick WCFB. it is small base and narrow enough to clear everything. They were the carb of choice in the 50's. It even has a rear fuel inlet so right by the pump.

 

[Charlie ny]

138,
I'm with Andy. I happily use a '52 Old Rochester 4 brl with the rear inlet,
very tidy. The Carter WCBF is a more sophisticated carb than the Roch but after
4 years and zero issues I'm happy.
Both have that vintage look....know waddi mean ?
Charlie ny

 

[scicala]

I agree. The Rochester is easier to work on and works well.

Sal

 

[Kahuna]

I used the Holley Teapot 4 bbl.
Worked good for me for over 25 years.
No interference at all. Easy hookup.

 

[41LjH]

tried a Holley 4160 (390 CFM) couldn't get a good idle.
Now 1403 (500 CFM) Edlebrock 1403, runs great.

 

[AnthonyG]

41LjH? did you have to change ( go smaller ) the secondary jets and metering rods? I run the same carb and when the secondaries kicked in I'd get a bog from too much fuel dump. went on size smaller on both and it works fine now.

 

[51 MERC-CT]

41LjH? did you have to change ( go smaller ) the secondary jets and metering rods? I run the same carb and when the secondaries kicked in I'd get a bog from too much fuel dump. went on size smaller on both and it works fine now.

Normally only the secondary jets control fuel supply, they do not have metering rods.

 

[AnthonyG]

Normally only the secondary jets control fuel supply, they do not have metering rods.

Been a while since I did, 3yrs I think. Memory ain't what it used to be I guess. Remembered changing both. Probably reduced the metering rods on primary's and jets on secondaries maybe jets on both. Anyway cured the bog on pedal to the metal stomps.

 

[johndee138]

Will the Edelbrock 1403 clear the center outlet water necks, or would I need a riser?
manual or electric choke? What specific mods to the carb (jets,metering rod changes) necessary for a stock motor without any speed/performance upgrades?

 

[4dFord/SC]

I have the Holley 4160 with a 1" spacer on my '40 with the same engine. Other than having to replace a leaking power valve several years ago, no problems.

 

[scicala]

Will the Edelbrock 1403 clear the center outlet water necks, or would I need a riser?
manual or electric choke? What specific mods to the carb (jets,metering rod changes) necessary for a stock motor without any speed/performance upgrades?

The Edelbrock carbs (old Carter AFB) are about the widest 4 barrel carbs out there. Can't say they will interfere, but if any would hit the water outlets, it would be the Edelbrock carb.

Sal

 

[AnthonyG]

Not sure but hope the pics help. Looks like with the center water outlets it won't. As for the choke I ordered my '49 from builder with the Edelbrock 4 barrel with manual choke. Works fine but wish I'd have gotten the auto-choke now.

 

[39wagon]

I went with a Holley 4160 for my '39 also. Had to go with a 4" riser to clear the linkage and mounted the carb backwards. While it ran right out of the box, it was a bit rich. I'm still dinking around with the mains (dropped 4 jet sizes) and secondary springs. If I had any sense, I'd just leave it alone and drive it but alas, I don't so I'm making myself crazy but it sure is fun!

 

[kiwitony]

I use a 1 and a 1/2 inch spacer in my 37 pickup with edelbrock carb to clear centre outlet heads. I'm not sure what car you're putting this in, but 39 top hoses exit with a sharp right angle bend just above the heads so a low spacer may work. Edelbrock 500 carbs are great very easy to tune and no fuel gets spilled making changes. I use a manual choke which I hooked up to the original choke knob.