I use an adapter on my '55 Merc only because it still has the original intake manifold and I'm running an Edelbrock carb. The adapter will not solve the fuel boiling issue since it's made of aluminum, so I also use a 1" phenolic spacer between the carb and adapter. No issues with boiling fuel and a side benefit is snappier throttle response. I'd recommend a phenolic spacer even if the carb and manifold match without an adapter.

Some sort of thermal "break" is a good idea if you wish to avoid a situation where fuel is boiling out of the carb after shut-down. It doesn't have to be huge in thickness to do the job - Edelbrock used to sell a 3/16 thick gasket (for the later Holley pattern) and that often cured the boil out on those. Maybe multiple gaskets clamped under your adapter will do the trick? Just be sure they aren't hanging out into the bores.  




 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

How I meant to ask is, if I go with the adapter route, since it's already shipped, vs finding a later model intake, would you still recommend a phenolic spacer? Or would the adapter serve that purpose?

This isn't going to be a hi-po set up. Just trying to get it starting and running reliably.

You shouldn't need the adapter for the '57 and later manifold. The adapter is only needed when installing a '57 and later carb on the '56 and earlier manifold due to the mismatch of the bores in the manifold to the carb's wider spaced bores.

Would you suggest that if I use the adapter I mentioned too?

The '57 + manifold will bolt up but you may have sealing issues as the ports may not line up exactly with the head's ports. It will accept the Holley 4150 and other carbs without needing an adapter. I suggest using a phenolic spacer to keep the exhaust the heat from the crossover passage from boiling the gas out of the carb.

Ok thanks, I wasn't trying to make you guys repeat already stated info, so sorry for that. Just wanted confirmation.

Will the 57+ manifolds work on this motor? or are modifications required? And do the 57+ manifolds accept the "modern" holley 4150 carbs? This is just for future reference in case the adapter i bought from Thunderbird Headquarters doesn't work like I want it. It adapts a 57+ carb to the earlier manifold.

Reread the posts above.

To run the 57 Distributor:
Put 54 gear on the 57 distributor.  Change the oil pump to a 55 or later.  Use the 55 and up hex drive shaft for the oil pump.
Adapters for the later carb are available from Summitt, Jeggs and Speedway.  I don't have a part number. 

No, the 54 distributor will not work with the later carb.



54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

You can replace the distributor with a later year as described. If you don't want to go the adapter route and can find a Cad, Olds, 
Packard, Dodge, Plymouth, Carter WCFB small base 4 Barrel it will bolt right on and can use the vacuum advance of the 57-up distrib. There will be some linkage adjustments to be made but it's not to hard. It was the first thing I did to my 56-292. I used a 53 Cad Carb. Here are 2 photos.

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

Ressurecting this year old thread....sorry guys. My priorities got side tracked.

I'd like to get this thing running reliably. I still think my best course of action would be to updated to 57 distributor and modern carb. The teapots choke is froze open so it takes some effort to get the thing running and stay running. Also its leaking gas which I hear they are notorious for.

Any idea what adapter I would need to buy from Speedway Motors to get a 4160 style modern carb on it? Any cfm suggestions?

Also I'm assuming I can't use the 54 distributor with a modern carb. Is that really as simple as using the old gear? I heard I might need to mess with the oil pump drive too.

If I had it my way, it would have a 302 in it. But its my dads car, and he likes the idea of the y.