Yep. Will cruise on the center carb and then the outboard carbs will kick in for more go. Also the middle and outboard carbs have different size venturi/air chokes.
Makes sense to me. I usually pick out my engine first, and then figure out what to put it in. Cool part.
Yep, not uncommon at all. Also did that with my old GMC V12. I am actually considering a hoodless '57 Vette to at least make it late sixties semi period correct.
Not a small block Ford, looks like small block Chev to me. No place for Ford distributer even though the thermostat housing is mounted like a Ford. Ford intake bolts are vertical, these are angled. I agree with you that is a nice set up. Jim Ford