Modern sidedraft carburetors
This post was inspired by a post in the High Performance Forum, concerning the use of sidedraft carburetors for multiple carb applications. I am listing the “modern” (1932-up) American-made sidedrafts for cars/trucks/larger industrial engines of which I am aware. There are also some American-made sidedrafts for small engines (motorcycle, chain saw, lawn mower, etc.) which I will not list, as adapting them for automobile/truck application presents additional issues.
So, in alphabetic order:
Autolite (Motorcraft)
None to my knowledge
Carter
YH series — used on: Corvette 6, some 1950’s Nash, some 1950’s and 1960’s marine, turbo Corvair, Cortez Motor Home. Not especially rare, but certainly not inexpensive
Holley
None to my knowledge
Riley
Very rare, very expensive!
Rochester
R and RC series — used only on the turbo Oldsmobile Jetfire. Rare AND expensive!
Stromberg
None to my knowledge
Zenith
11 series (2 barrel) used on late 1940’s and early 1950’s GMC trucks. Rare and expensive
80 series — some 1930’s and 1940’s trucks and industrial
82 series — some 1930’s and 1940’s trucks and industrial
Nicson used the Zenith 80 and 82 series for their aftermarket manifolds. 60 years ago, there was no demand for these carbs, and a few new old stock were available. Today they are exceptionally rare and expensive, although less expensive than the Rochester R and RC models or the Riley models.
Many will turn to the SU (Skinners Union, yes Virginia, the first SU carbs WERE made from hides) as these were used on many European cars in multiples. For those familiar with the SU, these are a possibility. For those NOT intimately familiar with the SU, best bet would be either find someone who is familiar to do a turn-key setup OR LEAVE THEM ALONE! This advice from someone who has tuned 1000’s of them in the past. Yes, they can be made to work, but most are going to require MAJOR machine work (warped slides) by someone that knows what they are doing. Diaphragms for the HD series are either unobtanium or verypriceum. If you must disregard this advice, pick the H series, not the HD series.
Several earlier sidedrafts were produced in the USA of brass construction; but most (other than the Ford T) are quite rare, and in great demand by those doing vintage racecars; so will not cover them here. If you are doing a vintage racecar, and wish the information, call.
There also many additional non-USA-produced sidedrafts; Dellorto, Hitachi, Mikuni, Solex, Stromberg CD, Weber to name some of which I am familiar. Like the SU's, if you are intimately familiar with any of these; make your own decision. If not, best to leave them alone.
Jon.
