I am going up in the hills to help a friend get this Ford tomorrow. Looks to be original from the limited photos. My question: Did any 312 yblocks in passenger cars come with 2 barrel carbs? I haven't seen the engine yet but if it has an original looking 2 barrel set up, I would expect it to be a 292. Am i right?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/4162025324.html

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

In 57, the 312 only came with a 4 bbl carb. It' s more than likely to be a 292 if it has a 2bbl since that was the standard engine in that model.

~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

If memory serves me the standard Fairlane V8 was the 292. The 272 was standard in the Custom and Custom 300 V8 with the 292 and 312 optional. The 6 was available in all models as I recall. Know of at least one 6 cylinder convertible.

Yes, as far as I know, in 1957 Fords, only the 312s came factory with a 4 Bbl & dual exhaust. 272/292 engines were normally equipped with the then new Holley 2300 series 2 Bbls & single exhaust.

Paul

Remember that we're talking about a 56 year old vehicle, Mark.

The possibilities as to what MAY have transpired over the years are limitless. Engine swap... sold or stolen carburetor and intake... intake and carburetor swap to solve a carburetor problem or for 'better fuel economy'... Back-in-the-day as vehicles began to get older, the time often came when components were swapped rather than fixed by some of the used car dealers, corner repair shops, or backyard mechanics. 'Junkyards' flourished!

Checking the data plate VIN code will give you a quick 'read'. The first letter in the serial number will be:
- 'A' 223 6 cylinder
- 'B' 272
- 'C' 292
- 'D' 312 single 4 bbl
- 'E' dual quad
- 'F' supercharged

It may be interesting what the car WAS equipped with when it came out of the factory.

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

I believe the Mercs, 58 - 60, were 2bbl's as they were the base engine for those years. Could be transplant or just a change in the intake.

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

Later Merc's had 312 2 barrel's.

I agree with both Paul and Slumlord. '58, '59, and '60 Mercs with y-blocks had 312s with two barrel carburetors.

'58, '59, '60, '61, and '62 Ford cars with y-blocks had 292s with two barrel carbs from the factory.
'61 and '62 Mercs with y-blocks had 292s with two barrel carbs from the factory.

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