My 65 Bird has a 69 390 FE with a crummy 2 barrel carb. What would be a good 4 barrel replacement? Either Ford or maybe Edelbrock ?

The topic is carb replacement and not intake correct? Regardless, I have always used a Ford intake and then a Ford or Holley carb. You probably know these are really the same thing. However, I have usually been going for something at or close to stock/original.

I will say the Ford/Holley carbs I have had are easy to work on, hold adjustments and are reliable.

If you are going for high performance, others need to comment. But if you are, I think you are probably also looking at a different cam.

Good luck, Vince

Hey vince and thanks for the response. I'd like to stay stock 4 barrel Ford. I don't know the correct Ford 4 barrel to ask for though. Second, do I need to change the intake to a different stock Ford intake to accodomidate the 4? And finally I am not looking to "Hi-pro" the Bird just want a good solid engine.

Ken

You could get a brand new 600 cfm Electric choke Holley from Jegs. I put one on my 66 and it starts and runs perfect. You will need a Four Barrel Manifold. One of these T-Bird Supply Houses may have the complete set up.

okie dokie. Am looking at a used 390 FE manifold on Ebay as we speak. The price is good but shipping from Tenn to mid Florida might be awful. Any major worries about buying a manifold unseen?

Ask a lot of questions before you bid on it. I also saw the manifold and it looks good from the pictures. Ask him what the shipping will be. On my '69 T-bird, I had Pony Carbs rebuild it for me. It took them 4 trys to get it right. I will probably switch it out for a holley next year. i've spoken with a few people with '69's and they are extremely happy with the Holley over the Autolite 4300 carb.

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the response. Am thinking I'm putting the cart before the horse. Am going to fire up this motor (first) before I determine if I need to swap out a manifold and get a Holly carb.

Again, thanks,

ken

Ken,

Good idea to test the motor first. Discovered mine was shot BADDDD even though the seller attested to the low miles and original condition.

Re your search, an idea might be to call some of the local machine shops or a local engine rebuilder they may have an extra FE 4bbl intake they would sell and you don't get pounded on shipping. Same for the junk yard. These engines are common as dirt and you would think they'd have some. Of course, you then have to take it to a machine shop for inspection and work up. Some yards will let you bring the intake back if its defective as long as you are exchanging it for another intake.

Good Luck, Vince

Thanks Vince,

I shall do so.

Turned the key on my "Blue Girl" today for the very first time. Rotated well. A very good start.