Carb lines - Just for fun

I thought I'd share: Carb Fuel Line Upgrade = 5/16" to 3/8".
I've a 408 stroker project that I purchased about a years ago (72 Duster). The fun factor is it has a six-pack setup which uses the Ford style carbs (Ford = mech ..vs.. Mopar = vacuum). The Ford style is a bit tricky since the end carbs aren't vacuum-actuated like our mopars.... so cam profile and carb tuning are crucial in order to get the BIG punch when you slap them open. When properly tuned, they spank the sluggish responding mopar setup (sorry). But hey; these are the carbs mopar sold for several years thru their Direct Connection division as race only. CamMotion cams came up with a custom grind that would maintain a stump-puller vacuum signal by having only 20 degrees overlap: cam is a solid, 244 dur, 538" lift, 112 CL adv 4 degrees. On paper it looks like a great match for this setup...only the dyno will be the judge.

Anyway, during my process of fixing &/or making things 'right' on this engine, the carb fuel lines were definately on the list. The original line setup looked like it came off a Coleman stove, was restrictive and just plain ugh! Even though it's debatable 'if' moving to the larger 3/8" lines will produce any extra ponies (given the carbs, and moderate cam), the wow-factor is all a part of having a six-pack.... and we all want some wow out of our muscle cars...right? So a buddy made a nice fuel distribution block, and I fab'd my new line out of 5052 aluminum, using all AN-6 fittings. Attached are a few before & after pics. It'll be headed to the dyno in a few weeks and we're looking for around 435 hp at the tires once the carbs are dialed-in.
Wish me luck. :cheers:

Lookin good...interested to see how your dyno run turns out.

Very nice upgrade in appearance.. Nice curves on those tubes!..

I just happen to have a brand new set of those carbs sitting in my shop. I'll be interested to see how they work out for you. Did you make your own linkage or is that some type of kit? What are you going to use for an air cleaner? I've got a set of the stock 340 style six pack carbs I'm planning to use (with some mods) on my 408.

Not only did you do great, but you did well. The original appears to use compression fittings, and those of that type should NEVER be used in vibration prone situations.

(There is / used to be a compression nut system which looks more like the long tailed nuts used on brass SAE flare, which were MUCH better.)

All - thx much for the kind words and compliments, they're much appreciated.

64 Cuda: You have a new set of these? How cool, as it was my understanding that these were rare... perhaps they're not? I know this much; after riding in more than a few mopar six-pack setups and then this mechanical setup.... having the end carbs vacuum-actuated (mopar) noticeably & clearly removes a big gas-pedal rush-response by comparison... they just don't have that immediate punch in the pants of the mechanical setup. I guess by playing with varied diaphram springs and a pile of dyno time, a savy mech can get the mopar carbs to perform amazingly...but I already have carbs thank you, and you've a new set too.....you dog! rofilel:

The Linkage? It's an improved version of what came with the setup. It's a progressive style I've seen before. The original linkage used small rod and was pretty rinky-dinky...and so I simply duplicated it using one size larger rod and better rod-locks...etc. It turned out pretty goods. The fuel lines? I fab'd the lines myself. It was a good learning experience and not at all as hard as I'd imagined. I simply studied varied setups on the web, made notes, pondered what I wanted to do for mine and took action to do it. I would guess working with stainless steel tubing would have been harder... who knows. I'm pleased with the end result, although the line for the center carb is my 2nd attempt...the first one went wrong on me.... learning experience.

I'm using the stock mopar six-pack filter top & bottom. It pained me BUT; I had to make a small relief slot in the filter bottom for the front carb. The bottom sort of droops down on the front carb, which created a clearance issue for the AN fitting and the line (see pics). The center and rear carb line clearance had no problems at all.

Old Country said:

64 Cuda: You have a new set of these? How cool, as it was my understanding that these were rare... perhaps they're not? ..... and you've a new set too.....you dog! rofilel:

Click to expand...

They're probably rare. I bought these back in the late 1970's. I don't think you could get the factory carbs back then. If you could I know I couldn't have afforded them. You'd probably cry if I told you what I paid for the ones I have. But a dollar went a lot further back then. The carbs I've got have never seen gas. Here's a pic of them sitting on the manifold I bought at about the same time. They've got a rinky-dink home-made progressive linkage I threw together way back when.

Just noticed that each of the carbs has the number 78 stamped on the side. Year of manufacture? That would've been about the time I bought them.

SWEET Looks like $ 4.35 a push to the floor but man is that going to sound good and feel good going back in the seat!!!!!