What carb would you recommend for a 272 y-block 2 barrel conversion to a 4 barrel? I have the 4 barrel intake manifold and I would also like to get rid of the 2 barrel right side (passenger side) monstrosity of a carb linkage. I need the help of your past experience….thanks in advance.
For a 272", smaller is better, but how good are your fine motor skills? If you can DIY rebuilds, the older Carter WCFB and Rochester 4Jet can work well. There are also the later Holley 390 CFM and Carter AFB 450 CFM which can fit with an adapter. The carbs I wouldn't recommend were the original Holleys Ford put on there in '55-56. jack vines
Almost any carb change will require you to get rid of the loadOmatic distributor as they work as a unit. By all means use a 57 up distributor.
Cool Fairlane. I assume you still have the Fordomatic, so I would suggest you find a donor 55 or 56 4bbl automatic and get the throttle arm from the firewall along with the kickdown/bellcrank that mounts on the driver's side rear of the intake manifold. Grab all the linkage bits while you're at it. A small Holley 390 to 450cfm 4bbl is all you need. If you have the A suffix 4bbl manifold you will need an adapter to mount the Holley (WCFB or 4G will fit the A manifold). If you have the B suffix manifold, I suggest a 1/2" spacer so the carb throttle plates clear the intake holes. By all means get the shop manual for the car and for the Fordomatic so you can figure out how the ridiculous kickdown contraption functions and how to adjust it. There is no easy way around it that I have found.