Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2

JSRTUDOR

JSRTUDOR

Senior Member
Hi everyone, how were your holidays? I was wondering what the difference was between the Zenith 1 and the Zenith 2 carbs? Which is better for a driver that is, well lets say a little tired? I currently have a leaky Tilly on it now and was wondering if a Zenith is a better carb to install. Should a rebuilt 1 cost more or less than a 2? Who is a reputable seller of Zenith carbs? Thanks in advance, I know I packed a lot in this post! Scott
 
In my opinion there is no difference between a Zenith 1 or 2, the bigger question is how well were they rebuilt. I have rebuilt a few and it takes time to do it right, many just blow them out with compressed air, put on a new gasket and spray with paint and call it “rebuilt”. The throttle shaft needs to be tight in the upper case (meaning no slop from wear), all the passages need to be cleaned and open, needle seats and needle valves need to be in good condition, no wear rings. The jets need to be proper sized, float level set right, good quality float valve installed. The Zenith 2’s were made by Holly, so if you purchase one of those you can say you have an Holly on your A, will not work any better than any other Zenith just bragging rights!! A good Zenith works great, others may work well also, but Zenith are the original.
 
There's no difference between the Z1 (Zenith) & the Z2 (Holley) except the marking. Ford used both Holley & Zenith to supply his carbs and had them marked differently so they knew who built it. Jon's right about rebuild qualities. Short cuts lead to short trips.
 
I agree with everything said by the previous responders and I would add that there is no substitute for flow testing the jets to get them flowing correctly.
Drill size measurement is not close enough.
 
Scott,

I sent my Zenith 1 to Jim Adams a few months ago. It wasn't rebuildable, so he sold me a Zenith 2. I didn't care which one I got and left it up to him. Now I have a Holly on my A. :)

Jim is a great guy to work with and I would highly recommend using him. He's had lots of complements on this forum.

Hook
 
Jim Adams : I have a Zenith in a bunch of parts I got with my 29 Sport coupe project
but the words Zenith are running downwards on the floatbowl rather than sideways
everything else is exactly the same on both carbs as far as I can remeber; which isnt very far :is this some thing you have seen before? thanks
 
Steve,
The Model B carbs have Zenith running vertical rather than sideways. The Model B is visually different than the Model A..square bowl rather than rounded and a "chunkier" appearance, but it will work fine on the A if in good condition or rebuilt
 
Jim
Thank you on the info;Im a newby here and to stock model As
been building and painting for many years though
This A was purchased to be rodded until I went and picked it up ;To damn nice and complete to hotrod with buckets and buckets of parts and while sorting I remembered that carb and hadnt heard or seen of it I was interested in its fitment
so anyway restoring rather than rodding and making connections for future needs
steve
 
modela-carb said:
Steve,
The Model B carbs have Zenith running vertical rather than sideways. The Model B is visually different than the Model A..square bowl rather than rounded and a "chunkier" appearance, but it will work fine on the A if in good condition or rebuilt
Click to expand...

can you clarify is a model B ZENITH a zenith 2?

this is presently on my 30 ts having a round bowl.

fredski
 
Fredski
All of the Model A carbs have rounded bowls and, if marked Zenith 1 or Zenith 2 will have the marking running horizontally. The Model B's (begun in 1932) are not Zenith 2's. the "Zenith" will run vertically. Sounds like you have a stock Model A carb
 
No matter how well it is rebuilt it has to be adjusted per application and that application has to be at tip top condition.
 
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