Edelbrock 1406 to 54 331

[55 ledsled]

Hey guys, I'm probably going to get yelled at for not posting this on the modified page, but I have had lots of issues with my old Rochester 4GC and have decided to go with an Edelbrock 1406. Hard starting always and tough to keep it going after she warms up, and seems to be dumping fuel into the oil because of the hard starting. A complete overhaul has been performed by a professional but issues continue.

I have been waiting over a month from Edelbrock for the 2695 adaptor plate that it requires, because of Covid delays. My question is, does anyone know of a pre-made throttle and TV rod adaptor for that carb? My plan is to make one as it does not seem that difficult but I also thought I would check to see if anyone has found a pre-made unit?

[55 ledsled]

Also, any ideas of what would be the best item to use to put a plug in the heat riser tube on the exhaust manifold? Thanks

[Gabe Davis]

Hi Adam,

I have a '59 that I'm currently running the same carb on. Mine is a 390 that had a Carter AFB on it so the Edelbrock bolted right up. I'm running a stock air cleaner so I had to get an adapter ring that sits on the top of the carb to space it up about an inch. The original Carter throat was smaller than the Edelbrock so the ring lets the air cleaner sit into it.

I eventually will some day get the Carter re built but for now the Edelbrock runs really well. Starts on the first turn of the key when there is gas in the bowl.

For mounting up the linkage I had to drill two holes in the throttle arm plate on the side of the Edelbrock (technical terms, I know lol). I then was able to bolt up the linkage plate that was on the Carter to it. The TV and throttle rods connect to that plate in the same way the did originally. I did this about 10 years ago so I don't remember exactly how I got the geometry right but it should be pretty evident how it would bolt up, assuming it is similar to a '59.

I did some mileage calculations several years ago on a road trip and according to that it managed to get a whopping 15mpg. The 1406 is jetted to be pretty lean and had pretty good economy.

A photo is attached. It was from when I re conditioned the top of the engine with some paint but you can see the carb there. I'm currently not near the car but may be able to get some better pictures next week.

Hopefully it helps!

[Gabe Davis]

Oh, also, the hear riser tube, at least on a '59, runs right through the manifold and is open to air on the lower side so there is no actual exhaust coming out of it unless it has rusted through internally. Mine was in good shape so no issues there an no need to plug it.

[55 ledsled]

Awesome! Thanks for the photo. That gives me a good idea of what to make. Maybe when I get it right I will fab up a pile of them for those of us who need them. Can't wait for the quick reliable start with the new carb. I wish they would sell a tan painted carb instead of the flashy finish.
My heat riser is just a small tube that plugs into the exhaust manifold and goes up to the choke. The hole to plug it on the manifold is similar in size to a brake line. Photo attached. just wondered if anyone knew of a metal push in plug like the size of a metal thumb tack.