If I go with a "B" manifold on my 292 and get rid of the teapot I would like to get a carburetor with heat activated automatic choke like the original teapot had. Would this Holly 4160 (designed for early Mustang) be a good choice?  http://www.ebay.com/itm/321044154666?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649  Thanks, Alan

For reasons unknown, the "link" I included above for the carb on Ebay does not work. The Ebay item # is 321044154666. And by the way, I am not necessarily looking for maximum horsepower, just good reliable street driving performance. Thanks, Alan

When pasting copied links into a post, simply add an extra space after the link to activate it.  I edited your post so the extra space is there.

 

As far as carb choices go, here’s the summary of the dyno test I did with a variety of carbs on the 312 dyno mule.   http://www.eatonbalancing.com/blog/2012/09/25/four-barrel-carburetor-testing-on-the-y/  .  The Holley list #1848 is the recommended replacement carb for the 1957 Thunderbirds and works well as a bolt on replacement on most stock headed Y engine combinations.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Just my 2 cents worth.I would be looking at a brand new replacement carb.Rebuilt or not they are still 40-50 years old and who knows what "mods" have been done to them by a carburetor "expert".There are 2 new ones on Ebay that might interest you.The 465 cfm hot air type choke like you have now or the 390 cfm electric choke which is what I have.Item #'s 390509529641 and 330839981062.These are available from different sources and you might find a better price. 

  

Thanks all for your help. I went ahead and bought this new Holley 1848-1 Carburetor on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/160934169847?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Thats a good choice.You will be much happier with that than a rebuilt for not a lot more money.You might want to consider adding a 1/2 inch phenolic spacer under the carb.Keeps it cooler  as it creates a non heat conducting separation from the intake.Also you might consider blocking the heat crossover passage in the intake when you install it.Same reason-helps cut down  heat to the carb.You are aware you will need the 57-up distributor to go with that carb?

  

Couldn't tell for sure from the eBay page/photo: Does that come with an included electric choke at that price?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

That model is hot air choke only.Very similar to the original 1957 carb.

  

Will do on the phenolic spacer an the blockoff plates for the heat riser. Yes, this carb will work out fine as my engine is a 1961 292 fitted with the original distributor. Question...does this carb use both the choke stove tubes, i.e. the inlet and outlet just like the original or does it have one one fitting at the base of the choke? I see only one choke heat tube fitting in the pictures of it. Thanks, Alan

It would be one inlet fitting only.There is a kit you can buy on Ebay that fits the stove into the exhaust manifold and run one pipe up to the choke.Not common knowledge but Ford provided a "service repair kit" even back in 56 that did away with the original choke pipe setup through the intake manifold and put the choke stove in the exhaust manifold with one pipe up to the choke.If you block off the heat crossover in the intake be sure to remove the heatriser valve in the exhaust manifold if you still have it.If you look at Ebay item # 150966749827 thats a kit to replace the choke tubes you have now.Drill a hoole in the exhaust manifold and the fitting is sealed inside and self taps into the manifold.Bend the pipe and use the fabric cover supplied and you are all set.I have seen them specifically for Ford but that kit will work just as well.