I have a complete 3x2 Offy setup that Charlie Price did for me.  If your interested let me know.





Don't grow up, it's a TRICK!

I’ve heard for years how horrible the Offy 3x2 manifold is, and it is for HP. However, I picked one up fairly cheap (maybe the guy heard how horrible it was)

It is adequate, I wasn’t after a speed demon. Just wanted to build an old school hot rod.

I agree you shouldn’t be scared off, however getting 70 year old carbs that weren’t meant for today’s crap fuel brings its own challenges.

I don’t think I would be scared off from any manifold. It comes down to bang for the buck. I’ve seen guys trying to sell Edelbrock or Fenton’s for stupid amounts of money that were cracked and crappy welded, broken ears or tapped and plugged all over because they thought they were minted from gold.

There is a lot of good advice (blocking idle circuits, power valves, etc that will make them more street friendly I would heed those recommendations.

If you’re after speed and HP you’re going to have to spend up, the Offy will be better than what you have, but down on power and more temperamental than an off the shelf modern 4 bbl.

Just go into it with eyes open for what you are getting or wanting.

Happy wrenching.

Mike Rizzo

1963 F100 "Rudy"

Daniel Island, SC

When I was young (a very long time ago), I remember a guy who lived down the street from my parent's house.  He had a gold 1956 Ford Victoria with a hot rod Y Block.  His engine had six carbs and I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen.  I can't get that car out of my mind.  How cool would it be to open the hood and see all those carbs lined up?  I'm sure it would be a bear to work on, but seriously cool nevertheless.

You'll have almost as much in it if you buy bits and pieces or a ready to run unit. On 94's check where the body and base mate together. They are prone to warping there. Not impossible to fix but something to watch for. Vintage Speed has a real nice base conversion and linkage kit. I'm currently looking for a intake myself so if I find a good deal I'll pass it along.

Durham Missouri

These parts are readily available.  It's not 1962, so they can be expensive.  The problem with old speed parts is condition.   By now most of them have been on dozens of cars with "who knows who" wrenching them.  Don't buy anything unless you can inspect it.  Look for manifold cracks, stripped threads, corrosion and make sure the manifold has not been milled excessively.  Carbs are another matter.  The carbs on the manifold in my photo were scavenged out of old parts bins and needed rebuilding.  By now, most of these carbs are worn out if you can find any.   If I wanted the least amount of trouble, I would buy new carbs.  Linkage needs to be high quality or you will spend the rest of your life messing with it.   All in all, I would expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 for a nice tri-power setup these days.  You may get away cheaper if you get lucky.  The WOW factor when you open the hood on cruise night may be worth the investment.

Of course the 1st question is make of manifold?  For instance, Edmond's made three intakes for the Ford, one I think it was the  424 & it wasn't great either, but you'd need to link from here to Eaton's site to confirm that. And have the carbs been set up for a Tri- Power intake etc?  Does it include progressive linkage etc.? 


Paul

So I am starting to think this might be interesting to try doing.  Now what would be a fair price range to by this setup? I see online prices ranging from $350.00 to ones claiming ready to install $1500.00 .  The lesser price being in need of clean up and carb kits ++.  What should I be looking for when searching  for one?  And what question should be asked?  As most likely will no be a hands on look, i am in Minnesota and still snow bound for awhile.    

$20 carbs at a flea market !!!!
He must think it is 1962 again !!

You are absolutely correct about a 500 cfm carb. Better performance and less problems.
Been there, Done that.
Summit has excellent 500 cfm under their brand and it is great carb for the price.
Tim in Florida   

I ran one of these setups back in the day.  I believe my manifold was an Edelbrock.  I connected up all three carbs.  As I recall tuning wasn't that difficult.  I drag raced this car and I will tell you the car ran faster with one 4 barrel Holley 4100.   Looks cool though.