Looking For The 390 3 Deuce Prototype Photos

[chris401]

I spoke with Mr. Vermeersch but no photo. A builder said it looked like it had the same carburetors as the 58 430 MEL 3 Deuce set up and had Chrysler vacuum controls on the outboard carbs. Now I have to see it....
Thanks

[WerbyFord]

I'm sure John was there so likely a true story.

Re the 390/375-4v and 390/401-6v, I have Dec 1960 and May 1961 Hot Rod where they discuss each. Lots of pics of mechanical linkage, nothing about vacuum even as a prototype.

The 430/400-6v MEL carbs DID have vacuum secondary & it would have made sense to plop them on there for the prototype 390/401.
BUT - the MEL carb have a "full moon" round air cleaner base, not the "half moon" FE style needed for the closer bore spacing.
So it would have taken a lot of hacking to get the MEL 6v carbs to fit the FE.

I do have a pic of a 390/375 what looks like a prototype, with VACUUM advance distributor, and of course that went away in production.

The vac advance 6v made more sense for an automatic car but since Ford didn't offer that (until later with a much milder cam in the Bird) maybe they figured cheaper mechanical linkage was plenty good, or even preferable for a stick car.

[GJCAT427]

There is a book called Tri-Power Bulletin by Michel G Brattland. Its very informative on the Ford Tri power. On page 29 it shows the Mel unit with the vacuum pots. It does not mention the prototype for the FE, but shows setups for the Cleveland and the 429/460s which did use vacuum pots on the out boards. Has a lot of the factory drawings and set up procedures.

[thatdarncat]

There is a book called Tri-Power Bulletin by Michel G Brattland. Its very informative on the Ford Tri power. On page 29 it shows the Mel unit with the vacuum pots. It does not mention the prototype for the FE, but shows setups for the Cleveland and the 429/460s which did use vacuum pots on the out boards. Has a lot of the factory drawings and set up procedures.

I agree, it’s an great book, but as stated, no picture of the prototype you’re inquiring about.

[chris401]

Interesting, I am curious if this particular intake was a failure and supposed to be destroyed. I had never heard of it until a few months ago. I called and requested a picture but the intake was gone. I only have verbal descriptions by two men that have seen it. I will leave it to them if they want to post.
Thanks

[chris401]

I'm sure John was there so likely a true story.

Re the 390/375-4v and 390/401-6v, I have Dec 1960 and May 1961 Hot Rod where they discuss each. Lots of pics of mechanical linkage, nothing about vacuum even as a prototype.

The 430/400-6v MEL carbs DID have vacuum secondary & it would have made sense to plop them on there for the prototype 390/401.
BUT - the MEL carb have a "full moon" round air cleaner base, not the "half moon" FE style needed for the closer bore spacing.
So it would have taken a lot of hacking to get the MEL 6v carbs to fit the FE.

I do have a pic of a 390/375 what looks like a prototype, with VACUUM advance distributor, and of course that went away in production.

The vac advance 6v made more sense for an automatic car but since Ford didn't offer that (until later with a much milder cam in the Bird) maybe they figured cheaper mechanical linkage was plenty good, or even preferable for a stick car.

This has the cut carbs but run forward. Can't remember if is is correct or not.
http://ford-mel-engine.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=1598&start=20#p6776

[TomP]

A 77 Trans Am with an MEL would be really different!

That is a pretty cool setup. If the air cleaner flanges overhang are the carbs all at different heights?
 I have never had an MEL 3x2V setup but could have had one for $60 at a Main Street pawn shop back around 1980.
After thinking about it for months I went back and it was gone.

[chris401]

The MEL carburetor flanges are all the same height. I will take a look next time I am down there.

[thatdarncat]

For those that haven’t seen the 430 Super Marauder 3-2V set up, here’s some info ( not my pictures ). The original Holleys use the old ‘50’s style float bowls that don’t have external needle & seat adjustments, so that allows some more clearance.

[BruceS]

Enjoyed seeing this - great work Kevin!

[chris401]

For those that haven’t seen the 430 Super Marauder 3-2V set up, here’s some info ( not my pictures ). The original Holleys use the old ‘50’s style float bowls that don’t have and external needle & seat adjustments, so that allows some more clearance.

Thanks.

[TomP]

Well that 'splains it ! the float adjusters wouldn't clear the air cleaner ring. I forgor about the old bowls, I have an Edsel Holley 4V that was like that. Still have it some place, It had a melted booster.