Which Carb do I want?

Sazzlefrats · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:14 AM

I have a 65 289 recently rebuilt...... buts its just a 2v. I am going with a 4v set up.

The 289 is going to remain mostly stock. I envision tri-Y headers, X-crossover pipe and probably something quieter than flowmasters (I don't know yet) On the intake side of the motor I bought a ford motorsport dual plane manifold its the one idle to 5500rpm.

Here's the part thats been working me over. I can't figure out what carb I want. I think I want a 600cfm, dual feed, vacumn secondary with electric choke. I have no clue about part numbers or whether holley or edelbrock is the brand I want. The only thing going for me is that I have access to a dyno machine and a mechanic who's all up for tinkering to get the best performance out of whatever carb I do get. (I haven't had a chance to ask the mechanic yet, but I wanted everyones opinion as I have no clue yet)

Thanks and please let me know

Jeff

rdorman · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:20 AM

You didn't mention some of the other particulars about your car and setup. But a 600 vacuum secondary carb sounds like it will work just fine for you. But DO have it dyno tuned for the car. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I have one for sale in the parts for sale forum

Rick

Sazzlefrats · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:30 AM

Oh Geez your right. I did forget some important stuff.

The car is a 3spd manual, with plans in a year to convert to 5spd. I beleive it has stock 2.73 gears. I plan on driving the car around town and freeway, nothing crazy.

Is there anything else I should include?

rdorman · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:52 AM

........ around and a 600 vacuum secondary carb seems about right. Larger is definiatly out and I wouldn't go mechanical secondary with that kind of gearing. I did some math and checked Holley's web page and from experience with my 289 two barrell I think this will work just fine. I don't see an reason that you will need the dual inlet center hung bowls unless it is like me, you like the looks! The carb I have available worked great, the only reason I took it off was for a slightly larger carb (on my 351C, not a 289) and appearence. Still pulled 400 on the dyno with the out of the box 1850 600 cfm carb.

As for the electric choke, I have not spent much time playing with mine but I am not overly impressed.

Rick

Mr.Fixit · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:54 AM

600 CFm, vac secondary, center hung floats, Holley brand Holley carb. Manual tranny so you don't need the ford kickdown lever. You will need to replace the front jets fron the 72's they'll give you to something like a 65. You don't really need a choke in CA.

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 11:11 AM

2.73 is what the Mustangs typically used with an auto trans. Kinda high for a stick shift. I wonder if the car was converted to stick? You might want to consider a lower ratio, 3.3 or so for highway cruising, 3.5 or lower for performance. Rear ratio will affect carb tune. A choke is not a bad idea in many parts of Calif. 600 cfm is plenty big enough.

Ernie

Sazzlefrats · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 11:55 AM

I don' know what the actual gears are, I'm sure they are the original gearing for an original 3spd. If manual transmissions were 3.0 then that is probably what I have. In any event, changing gear ratios is a much bigger job that I want to get into unless something goes bad.

My original mustang was an early production 67 390cid gta fastback. I knew everything about that car. Had all options except tilt steering. Plus it was super special "Basketcase deluxe!"

This 65 mustang I don't know it all yet :-P What I do know is that it has 2 options. V8 engine and Convertable top. But its very clean and appears to be basketcase free so I'm happy. Overtime I'm going to add all gt/pony options.

But today I'm trying to understand the mystery of the carburator!
Here's what I know
Holley 600cfm vac secondary w/ electric choke (it does get frosty in winter)= all good
Jets I know sorta about 65's sound good

Here's what I need to ask more about
Side hung vs Center hung ?
Dual feed vs Single feed ?

What else should I know about carbs?

Mr.Fixit · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 12:08 PM

Center hung float bowls are dual feed, one inlet per fuel bowl, and the float is pivoted in the middle, so it doesn't get as affected by cornering. Side hung floats are a single inlet carb, with a balance tube feeding the secondary fuel bowl, the floats are also hinged on one side insead of the middle.

Sazzlefrats · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 01:35 PM

So here's the big question whats the performance difference between side hung and center hung. I am guessing I would not notice a difference in power or economy in daily driving, how about if I am in the mountains on highway 17 (aka one of top 3 most dangerous highways in CA) going to santa cruz and I am gunning the car thru corners? (not racing, just having a bit of fun)

Mr.Fixit · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 02:01 PM

no difference except when cornering, or when looking under the hhod.

rdorman · #11 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 02:08 PM

Personally, I did not have any trouble with a side hung carb on my Cobra and that was running Hoosier TDs. But I have heard of some that do.
Rick

Mr.Fixit · #12 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 04:46 PM

But the center hung float bowls look so much cooler !!!

Sazzlefrats · #13 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 07:10 PM

For my 2V 289. My intake solution is this.

Ford Motorsports Dual Plane intake (idle to 5500rpm)
and will top it off with
A 1850-5 holley carb. 600cfm 4v, Single Feed, with Vac Secondaries and Manual Choke. I figure I'm not doing any aggressive driving, nor do we have severe winters where I'd need an electric choke. Thus, and I laugh, "any old carb will do"

Thanks for your help everyone. (now to figure out a nice exhaust system.