Quadra-Jet use on Fords

[lightning boy]

Anyone know the history on why some Fords used the Q-Jet?
I know some Gran Torinos used it. and maybe some big block Mustangs. Seems odd because their use was so limited and they would have to cast a new intake manifold for these particular engines.

[Mudsport96]

From what I've read, it was because ford couldn't meet emissions with the other carbs on the engines that used the quadrajet.

[unruhjonny]

wasn't it only one year of 429 Cobra-Jet engines?

.. or something along those lines.

[Cliff Ruggles]

Ford used them on the 429 CJ engines, correct.  They are very special units, having some very nice features. 

I would imagine the intakes for them are excellent as well.  Mopar went to Thermoquad spread bore intakes in the early 1970's for the same reason, to get thru ever tightening emission standards and made some very nice intakes for their engines as well......Cliff

[429bbf]

i run quadrajets on all my fords excellent fuel milage and good power .just  bought an 86 f250 2wd xlt lariat 460  pulled the timing chain and it was set up 8 degrees retarded pulled the holley off and intake and installed an edelbrock 7166 so that i could bolt the q jet on without a spacer . not quite finished . I'm expecting some very good milage and power.fwiw ps built a very nice fuel line to feed the quad made it out of 3/8 brake line that way there is no hose going to carb.i wish i knew how to post pictures.

[Cliff Ruggles]

I've built a good number of q-jets for Ford applications and many were 460's. 

The Ford 429/460 engines were a good effort and better in most areas than anything else Ford engineers came up with over the years.

Huge bore, short strong, very strong internals with excellent cylinder heads.  Sort of like a 351 Cleveland layout on steroids.

I've built a few here for trucks and towing applications with excellent success.  Many of the later intakes also have enough material at the flange to modify them for a Quadrajet without having to use a spacer on them.......Cliff

[429bbf]

got her done took it for spin little rich on the bottom . i had the carb on my 460 with 10.1 comp this thing i think has 8.5 0r 9 maybe heck it might be 8 . only problem i have is running out of fuel at top end . this has the return line up by carb i may have to restrict it . not sure haven't installed gauge on it yet just got it out of the garage . i hooked the choke up to the wire ford used coming of the alternator stator,seems to work fine .im hoping for some very good milage . anybody want to buy a 4180c holley and manifold. id make you a smoking deal. fwiw ill even throw in the original timing chain and gears.