Type of carb you are using...POLL

What type of carb are you running?

  • Zenith 1

    Votes: 43 31.2%

  • Zenith 2

    Votes: 33 23.9%

  • Model B (32 -etc..)

    Votes: 12 8.7%

  • Tilly

    Votes: 23 16.7%

  • Marvel or other updraft

    Votes: 9 6.5%

  • Stromberg or other downdraft

    Votes: 18 13.0%
  • Total voters
    138
  • Poll closed .
Kevin - Illinois

Kevin - Illinois

Senior Member
What type of carb are you running with? Why do you prefer the carb you are using?

Sorry I left out Zenith 3 and side bowl...I'm trying to add them but I doubt I can.
 
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In my opinion the original Zenith is best because of the adjustability --it can be adjusted from too lean, to too rich while driving, ---and the ease of cleaning ---only 1 bolt holding it together,and it doesn't even have to be totally removed to clean the bowl.
 
Hi Kevin, As with so many polls, the available choices do not necessarily cover the spectrum of choices avalalable, or the specificity of solutions the hobby has come to. i.e., There are many A'ers who are using one of the NEW Zenith (see Zenith Fuel Systems) updraft carbs on their cars. "Marvel or other updraft" does not cover the implications of this. Also, there are some of us who are beginning to experiment with throttle-body fuel injection (just for laughs, I assure you), but there may be more of this as time goes by, This also has its own implications. As for me, I am running an original Zenith, a NEW Zenith, and installing TBI from a 1990 Pontiac "Iron Duke" 4.
Just to find out what the differences are! ;>)
 
problem with only allowing me one answer is I have more than one Model A. They each have a different carburetor. I hear the average owner has 3 cars. So how accurate will this poll be?
 
Have used both. The Till "seems" a bit peppier but is prone to warping. I wrestled with the Zenith until I finally achieved success in how it performs and that is what Ford designed for the car. To date a shy 20 mpg on the highway.
 
side bowl zenith and zenith 2 , have run a tilly and it ran great
 
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There are so many variations of the Zenith-1 and Zenith-2, such as removable or cast needle seat, 3 types of secondary wells, variations in jet sizes, etc., that your poll doesn't cover. You also have the Zenith and Holley Double Venturi Carburetors you didn't include; Zenith-1 and Zenith-2 didn't come in too being until approx. Jan. 1929 when the numbers were added to identify the manifacture of the carburetor.
 
I did a survey about modifications and carburetor choice was one of the questions. It is not exactly what you are looking for but it may help. See Survey link below.

Bob


Survey
 
Using a Tillotson and it runs fine so I haven't bothered to change it over the past 34 years.. Maybe some day when I feel like digging out a couple Zeniths from the junk box I'll see if I can't make a good one from the pile of parts..
 
Stromberg 97. 0.43 main jets and 0.67 power valve. Runs good with a Snyder's high compression head and lightened flywheel.
 
For a serious tire kickin', hood open event only the correct Zenith will do. The rest of the time, when I want cold starts on the first crank, no driving lag or flat spots, and better than 20 mpg, I use a slightly tweaked Marvel. A little less top end, but that's the tradeoff. Unlike the Zenith, the Marvel is also insensitive to hard braking or turns. But nothing beats the look of the correct Zenith.
 
Tacoma Bob said:
Have used both. The Till "seems" a bit peppier but is prone to warping. I wrestled with the Zenith until I finally achieved success in how it performs and that is what Ford designed for the car. To date a shy 20 mpg on the highway.
Click to expand...

I have the opposite experience...the Tillotson carb I'm using now is a replacement while I rebuild the Zenith. I much prefer the Zenith and I'm anxious to get it back in my truck.

I've had trouble fine tuning this Tilly to start and run smoothly. Seems it's either racing or it wants to die on me...can't find the happy median.

Mike at Mike's A-Ford-able says they are about to carry a Zenith alternative...I'm anxious to give that a try.
 
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