I want to upgrade my 54 Merc and get rid of the original Tea Pot carb and load-o-matic distributor. I have had many problems with the t-pot and really poor overall performance and mileage. I am not into racing or super high performance, but I do know this y-block should be much more reliable and fun to drive. I have upgraded other y-blocks in the past by switching to the 57 manifold, and disrtibutor and using the Holley or Autolite 4100 carb. The problem with the 54, both Ford 239 and Merc 256, is that they used the smaller ported heads. So its not feasible to just change intake and carb.I am having a 57 distributor with the much improved vac/mechanical advance, modified by Bubbas in Indianapolis, to fit my older style oil pump drive and cam gear. He does a "butt change" as he calls it, grafting on the olde rstyle lower end to the newer 57 upper end. So that part will be upgraded.
My question then deals with what carb to use? I know that the later model Holley, edelbrock and Autolite 4100 are all good carbs, but they all would require me to use an adapter plate between the carb and the existing 54 intake manifold. What about the Carter WFBC 4 bbl carb that Merc used in 55/56? It has the same smaller square 4 bolt pattern that the existing 54 Merc intake has, so I could use it as a direct bolt on without having to use an adapter. I have access to one that looks to be in good running condition. Would this carb serve me well with the newer distributor? Will it respond to the vac/mechanical advance that I will be using? Am I gaining anything by using it vrs the Autolite or edelbrock with adapter plate.??
If anybody has done this change on the 54 Merc 256 or even the 54 Ford 239, I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions. Thanks!
Steve