I am starting the rpocess of gathering the parts to change from the stock 2-barrel carb on my 272 to a 4-barrel. I have a 4-barrel intake, but nothing else. Has anybody else done this? Which throttle linkage did you use? Thanks, Jag

 

Which 4 barrel intake do you have, and which carb do you want to use?
I used the stock bellcrank on the firewall and made a link rod. Yours might be that easy.

 

I have just acquired a stock 4-barrel Y-block intake and I want to use an Edlebrock 500cfm carb unless there is another 4-barrel carb out there that actuates form the right side instead of the left. Jag

 

There are several stock 4 barrel manifolds. The one you really want is ECZ-9425-B. The others require an adapter for most newer carbs.
Assuming the 54 in "Jag Red 54" indicates the year of the truck and it has an original distributor, you will also need to upgrade to a '57 or newer distributor. Since a 272 is not stock in a '54, it is possible that you already have that distributor. An easy way to check is to pull the distributor cap. If you can see the advance mechanism springs, it is early and you MUST upgrade. If you can't see the springs, it is the newer unit and will work with the new carb.

 

I'll check the manifold for the part number. I was completely unaware of the difference in bolt patterns for the carb. The engine is a 1955 272 from a car. Thanks, Jag

 

If the distributor is in fact original to the motor you will need to replace it with a newer unit. A new carburetor will not provide the correct vacuum signal and the truck will run terribly. If you want it to run right, you must use a newer distributor in addition to the new carb.

 

If you should have an ECZ A instead of the B Charile mentions, some guys have reported satisfactory results with a model 4000 Holley, rebuilt of course. Then the original dist. could be used without an adapter. Phenolic heat insulating spacer required. If going that route make sure to get a 4000 which came out on the 272, not 292 or 312. Interestingly the T pot is the only 4 bbl carb that was ever offered for a 272.

As for the right vs. left linkage, a simple change of firewall bell crank may (or may not) take care of that. I have a Ford firewall bell crank that has been very close to going to metal salvage, if it is of any use. Also have a rebuilt 4000 for 272. Pictures of the current setup could help.

 

Yep, I checked the number and it is ECZ 9425-A. It sounds like the Holly 4000 is the easiest way to go. As far as the heat shield, I am planning on blocking the heat ports. But, I am not sure on what is the best way to do this. Any tips on this step? Jag

 

I think you can buy gaskets which completely block the port. Another trick is to cut a piece of aluminum or steel to fit the gasket and block the port. Restricted gaskets are also available and this is what I recommend. The paint won't burn off and if you're in an area where it can get cold, you'll be glad you have it in the winter.

You can buy an adapter to use with the A manifold which will allow the use of a newer carb. I think Speedway motors is one source.
Even if you choose to use the older carb, the newer distributor will be a good idea. The mechanical advance is far superior to the vacuum only load-o-matic.

 

Jag, did you end up putting the edelbrock 500 Performer on your 272? If so, are you happy with it?

 

Haven't done it yet, I am waiting for some spare time this winter. I did acquire a stock throttle linkage for it from a buddy. Jag

 

iv got an edelbrock Performer on a 272 and a ECZ 9425-B and it seems to run well. This is my first carbureted motor though, so take my input with a very large grain of salt. A good friend of mine who's got way more experience helped me get the motor in tune and he was amazed at how quiet she was, and how she ran.

 

I want to do the same. The 2V runs to good to take it off. I keep hoping it will crap out but it starts up and runs just fine.


Im past the point in life of swapping parts just because...


On the old iron, Im more of a "if it aint broke, don't fix it" guy.

 

Tex, did you go with the 500?

 

To be honest it came with the truck. Other then getting her back in tune, some new plugs and a new air cleaner, i have not had to do anything with it. Ill check the model number on it.