Jon
Thanks for your advice, experience and expertise. I'm still researching this issue, and have not yet made any decisions as to which way to go. My concern with going to the 3 X 1 Offenhauser intake is twofold. First I'm concerned with the need for acquiring, tweaking, maintaining and balancing three carbs. Second, there is the expense of buying the replacement components. Obviously the carbs would need to be smaller, yet configured to mount on the Offy intake. That means finding the right carbs, adapters, linkage fabrication, and other expenses
The advantages of the Clifford intake appear to be; 1) only one carburetor, so a consistent atomization and mixture across the three intake chambers, 2) a manifold designed to operate with this motor and carburetor, 3) The Clifford Engineering guys will jet and adjust the Weber 38/38 carb specifically for the chevy 235, 4) a unified acquisition cost with all adapters and accessories provided. 5) The Weber 38/38 is readily available from Weber, and as a clone from several other manufacturers.
I did look into your suggestion to use the Carter W1. That carb is not readily available, except as a poor condition core. The cost to have them rebuilt is now some $250 each, online. I would rather do away with the Offy 2 X 1 intake. If I go to a 3 X 1 Offy intake, that cost would be trippled, and I stilll have the challenge of balancing, tuning, and maintaining three carbs.
The Rochester has never been one of my favorite carburetors. IMO, they are too problematic, leaky, temperamental, and unreliable. Since I'm now forced to buy another manifold regardless, I think it's best to find something that was designed to work as a system with the carb. So my decision is basically; Do I want to go back to a 1962 stock intake and carb, or do I want to go with something different?
I intend to call the folks at Clifford this coming week to ask some questions about their package for the Chevy 235. If you feel there is something I should be asking, just let me know, and I'll include that in my discussion with Clifford Engineering.
Thanks again for your help with this issue. Have a great weekend.
Tom
