Hello, I own a 1966 Ford Galaxie with a 289ci motor 2v Autolite carb and AT. I have recieved 2 differing opinions regarding upgrades for the motor. One opinion says that an Edelbrock manifold and 4v carb with stock cylinder heads will not produce any meaningful HP because of the limitations imposed by the valves in the stock heads. Another opinion says that HP will increase and probably fuel efficiency as well because of improved flow dynamics delivering the fuel/air mixture to the heads. I would like to hear opinions from people who have installed an Edelbrock manifold (or other brand) and a 4v onto a stock 289ci motor with stock heads. Thanks

 

OK here goes.
I'm not familiar with the valve size used in your engine but using a 4V manifold and carb will definately help out somewhat.The Big Three didn't start strangling the engines in our cars until the early seventies.The engines then only suffered from poor intake qualities and weak cam profiles.
A properly sized 4V carb,intake and,since you'll be close by,a mild street cam will wake up your car quite a bit.A 600cfm (or so) carb would be about as big as I would go.It's better from a tuning standpoint to be a little too small than a little too big.I don't know about the cam since it would have to be matched to the flow capabilities of the engine.
I'm sure Edelbrock sells combo packages that'll make you and your car happy.
One more thing,think about the total picture you have planned for the car.If you're going to have headwork done or even head upgrades in the future it's probably best to wait until you can do them all at once.This cuts down on tuning problems caused by running too big a carb over anemic cams or poor flowing heads.

 

Thanks for taking time to reply. I will probably look into headers as a first thing and wait and do the manifold and 4v later. You have given valuable advice. Thanks.

 

Performer 289 and a 570 avenger will wake it up alot. Yes, you'll get better gas mileage with the 4v carb as long as you keep your foot out of it. The primaries on a 4v carb are smaller than the 2v.

 

First, welcome to MF! I got rid of your other thread in the forums section, and thought I'd add my 2 cents here.

Good advice so far. A small 4V carb, say 500-600cfm and intake (even a Ford stocker) would generate noticable gains. Tied in with a better flowing exhaust and your Galaxie will feel much stronger. Just keep a good balance on parts selection, and you'll be fine.

 

Carb would always help out as well as a better flowing intake manifold. As far as headers, I think exhaust is one of the first things that needs to be done on a car