JW51 - I have nothing against the carburetors at all; it is the lack of manifolds.
We did extensive testing of the Holley-Weber, Aisin, and Hitachi progressive 2-barrels back in the '70's and 80's.
Two reasons (both CHEAP):
At that time used Toyota and Datsun (Aisin and Hitachi) carbs were basically scrap metal prices (how times have changed)! And when Holley blew out the various progessive two-barrels, I could have bought them by the 1000's new for less than $10. each!
These carbs were designed for high-reving small displacement engines hence the progressive design. Some of them were bolted to manifolds with split runners. All were bolted to manifolds designed for two-barrel carbs.
Air/fuel mixtures do NOT like corners!
And it doesn't matter if you are putting a progressive two-barrel on a single barrel manifold, or a square-bore Holley on a Q-Jet manifold (both requiring adapters); the efficiency of the setup is significantly compromised.
A carburetor works because of air velocity in the venturi area. The use of the adapter messes with the air velocity.
Still another issue for those wanting performance is the diameter of the opening in the manifold. For those of you that happen to be NASCAR fans, think restrictor plate. You can bolt a Holley dominator (would like to see that adapter
) on a single barrel manifold and never approach the performance of the stock carburetor (assuming the stock carburetor was the correct size for the engine).
But if one likes the Carter-Webers or the Holley-Webers, by all means use them. Personally, I define increased performance as both more power AND better economy. Tough to do using adapters.
Maybe if enough enthusiasts get together, they could convince edelbrock or Offenhauser to cast a dual manifold but using Pinto plenums and runners.
Personally, as long as there is a reasonable supply of used Carter W-1 carbs, I will be happy.
Jon.
