Found ECZ-G Heads - Now what carb?

John Burne

John Burne

Member
Well my old friend Ralph came through again. A few years ago he showed me a private junk yard in a coastal town in Maine and we found ram horn manifolds for my 292 Y-block. Yesterday we were visiting a friend's garage and got talking about an old engine that has been passed around between three or four of us. The engine is comng back to Ralph and a closer inspection revealed the heads are ECZ-G. Ralph gave them to me. We are just about to pull a 292 w/ a Holley 4 bar out of my truck and drop in a fresh 292 w/ a 2 bar carb. If I put on these heads, I'm assuming I will need a high performance carb. I'm also wondering how much I can expect the gas mileage to decrease. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks - John
 
Since all Y-Blocks in '57 had ECZ-G heads except the F codes you should not have to install a "high performance carb". Even the 272's were equipped with 'G' heads.
 
You kind of have it backwards,the 2 bbl will not give you better mileage because all you have to work with is two larger venturis with a 4 bbl you have smaller primary venturis if you can keep your foot out of it you can improve mileage.The Y-blocks will do well using a 4100 Autolite as a second choice a Holley 390 CFM works well or even a 500 CFM Edelbrock.
 
Thanks guys. I'm headed out to my little Ford barn to hopefully start the old truck up after a long cold winter. Ralph's waiting with an engine hoist at his garage. I'll be trying to learn as much as I possibly can during this engine swap. - John
 
I had very good luck with a 500 Edelbrock on a two inch, four hole spacer. On a 57 intake lay a new Edelbrock gasket on the studs, and scrib the holes. With a dremmel, enlarge the four holes to the scribed lines. Its easier than it sounds. Then, for best performance, remove the dividers front to rear but not side to side. Now you have a vacuum leak. Use a steel tooth brush and carb cleaner to clean the valleys, then fill level full with epoxy. After 24 hours, use a good flat file to make it flat. You now have the next best thing to a new Blue Thunder intake. If you want a good runner, never put together a Y block with a stock cam. There is so much more in that block, its fun to make it run.
 
I'm with Jeff2 on the carb choice. 4100 is an excellent carb to run on the street. I have one on my 57 while I'm getting the bugs out of my new 292 with a few modifications on it. Runs great. I also have a 600cfm Holley I ran on it and I will admit the engine really likes that one.
 
Really appreciate the interest. The engine we pulled today is a 292 with a 4 barrel Holley. I think it is one of the older teapots. As my earlier posts have revealed, I am no where near mechanic level. I am just a Ford enthusiast who is lucky to have a friend who knows a great deal about these old trucks. The above motor is already sold on a handshake deal and the carb w/ manifold is part of the deal. I have a perfectly good and fresh 292 2 barrel without the ECZ-G heads, just the usual, which is ready to drop in. I need to make a decision tonight whether to delay the installation and install the heads with the appropriate manifold for the right carb., or put the fancy heads on a shelf for another project. - John
 
The modified intake I spoke of above is a 57 or newer type. Two things to remember when putting heads on a Y block. The gaskets say "Front". make sure that is to the front, one may look upside down. That's OK so long as front is in front. Two; the top row of head bolts are NOT all the same. The long ones go on the ends. Oil clean threads well, and oil the surface where the bolt hits. Torque to 45, then 55, then all the way in the correct pattern.
 
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