Is the original T-Bird 2x4 manifold aluminum or cast iron?
Thanks
Jim

The '57 'E' code manifolds used on passenger cars and 'Birds was aluminum.



NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Mine is date codes for 57 and it is aluminum. Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

A pic o my new engine. Just a mock up so far

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Rowen, it looks great

Food for thought, Rowen.

Consider assembling your engine with a single four barrel carburetor and intake manifold.  Go through the 'sorting-it-out' process... setting the timing, the valve lash, adjusting the distributor advance curve, the idle fuel mixture, the accelerator pump setting, the throttle linkage, go through the initial engine break-in, the re-torquing of the cylinder heads, locate and resolve the leaks, make sure the cooling system is working right, and whatever else.  Get your car NOT just running, but running GooD'.

AFTER you've done that, install your 2x4 set-up and do what you have to do to make that run the way it should.  IMO, the dual quad y-block set-ups are a set of complications of their own.

Last month an acquaintance in the Rochester area fired up his freshly rebuilt '57 'E' code 'Bird 312 engine with its full dress 2x4 set-up and went to see a fellow  'Bird owner friend on his maiden trip.  Enroute, the engine coughed and a carburetor fire ensued.  He was able to smother the fire with something, but will never leave home again without a fire extinguisher, I'm told.  Yeah, he's got insurance and it could have been a lot worse, BUT... you don't want to deal with anything like this.

My understanding is that the fire was believed to be triggered by a carburetor float hanging-up in one carburetor...  OUCH!


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Drove the 2x4s for almost 40 years. They bogged and loaded at idle some and I mostly still loved them after I added my first MSD box (was an MSD5). You need plenty of ignition to tame the over fueling. Everything really improved when I went to twin throttle bodies. Good luck on your journey forward with your motor. MIKE

Mike, still lovin his 57 t'bird after 53 years!

Not knowing your intentions and how your going to run yor engine but I knew I was going to use mine progressive and use small base Carter WCFB's. I ran one on a stock manifold for quite a time on my stock manifold while preparing everything else. Before swapping manifolds I ran the second carb to set it right also. When I made the intake change everything was ready to go. Funny thing was the first carb went on as the lead and it ended up as the secondary because the engine ran better that way. I also needed to make different parts for the water system I never thought of plus the linkage. You can check mine out running on YouTube, Ford YBlock dual quads. I love mine and would not change it back. It takes a full throttle pump for cold start up to squirt the front intake ports but that it. When I'm out for the day I open up the front one a few times to make sure some fuel is used so the fuel bowls, needles and seats see some use...good luck

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

I have been running the E setup since 1968. Always carry a fire extinguisher and have had to use it a few times. Also had to re paint the air cleaner several times. If everything is right there is no problem. A  backfire and any leak in the top of the carb and you have a fire. Jetting is critical. Every original E carb that I have has had the '56 Ford single carb jets. Way too rich. Proper jetting is critical.

Wasn't there an article on here about over tightening the center bolt/stud and miss shaping the carb top? As I recall this was the real culprit for the leaks and eventual fires. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire