Shelby 289/302 ram box/mini-plenum

[Pcunder]

Anyone have any information on this "SHELBY" lettered ram box. Says Buddy Bar inside. Note the 4100s mounted.

Now, it's got a 2x4v lid where the carbs are mounted side by-side...that makes it look like a cross-ram. It looks similar to a mini-plenum or a cross-boss lid.


I'm wondering:
-did they work well (drag or road race)
-were different lids available;like 1x4v

Thanx, Phil

[pbf777]

    Yes, a single 4V lid was also made available. But I'd either utilize the "dual-four" lid or just pick a different manifold.   

    As far as for how'd they work, well due to the great expanse of plenum area under the carburetor, one should be prepared to experience a certain sum of delay in throttle response (particularly low-speed) as compared to something more conservatively sized.  But the top-end charge, with the appropriate other componentry, should prove rewarding.   

    Scott.

[kram350]

Have vintage road raced one for years. Single 780 double pumper with both accelerator pumps 50cc, big cam, 2000 to 8500rpm no issues, below 2000 need to baby it. Needs a lot of pump shot. I love the thing, it just sings! On the street might disappoint. A duel plane would be a better choise, even a single plane.   

[Pcunder]

Wow thanks... that is great info.

Was the 1x4v lid 'factory Shelby/Buddy Bar" or fabricated? I was gonna see if my single Cross-Boss lid would work.

So a LeMans cam probably would not be enough to fill the plenum till 3500 rpm?

Sounds like I need some better heads too.

[pbf777]

Was the 1x4v lid 'factory Shelby/Buddy Bar" or fabricated? I was gonna see if my single Cross-Boss lid would work.

  It was a casting presenting the ribbing and "SHELBY" nomenclature. 

  No, the "CROSS-BOSS" top won't fit.   

  Scott.

[CSX4781]

Also, keep in mind, as manufactured, the single 4 lid has a divider cast into the bottom so the right side of the carb feeds the left side of the engine and vice versa. I'd bet a good percentage of the single 4 lids had those cut out, but I have both lids for my Ram Box (as well as the linkage for the dual 4), and my single 4 still has that divider.

Dave

[pbf777]

. . . . . as manufactured, the single 4 lid has a divider cast into the bottom . . . . .

    Not to be stickler for the details but, there actually is what might be considered the "divider" under the carburetor running front to back separating left from right (sort of), but there also are two other dividers or perhaps better stated as "directional vanes", to each side of the carburetor opening, this it seems all in an attempt to direct the fuel from the centrally mounted location of the carb, out to the furthermost corner port runners. 

    And this just might be your first indicator of where the engineers felt there 'would be' a problem in the single four execution and one reason why I stated that if one wasn't going to utilize this intake as a "dual 4V" execution, I'd probably run something else. 

    Scott.     

[Pcunder]

Scott, Good points.

I'll be more careful with my inspection as I look for alterations, repairs & not just stamp/cast #s/IDs.

I know that switching lids on a plenum
Style box is less than ideal..but knowing Ford/Shelby/Buddy Bar made a single 4v lid means something went into it even if it was meant for the racer to modify as required.

🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Phil

[TA Coupe]

I've seen tops made for putting on webers and also autolite inline carburators. I never read anything about how they ran or if they were even tried.

      Roy

[kram350]

No Buddy Bar on the either tops I have owned. I can't see why a LeMans cam would not work, just know you will have a high RPM happy motor. I made an open top long ago and it was not good to say the least. Collects dust now.