Gmckustom - the model 97 was made by Stromberg; the model 94 was a Holley model.
As a general rule, the Holleys are MUCH cheaper than the Strombergs.
The Stromberg 97 has a problem similiar to the Rochester B, in that too few airhorn screws were used, thus causing warpage of the airhorns. Unlike Rochester, Stromberg fixed their problem when they switched from the E series (model 97 was one) to the A series carbs. Like the Rochester B series, the Stromberg 97 castings should be straightened with heat and pressure.
The Holley 94 has a diaphragm style power valve (aka economiser valve) located in the bottom of the bowl, with a direct passage to the intake. If the diaphragm ruptures (fairly common, and MUCH more so with ethanol), the carb has approximately a 1/8 inch direct "jet", causing flooding and fuel in the oil. This is the carburetor that was responsible for the term "bowl leakdown".
The Holley 94 is also larger by 1/4 inch in the front to rear dimension. Many manifolds which were designed for the 97's will not accept the 94's for this reason.
The Holley does have one advantage that the carb will accept current production 4150 series Holley main metering jets, so calibration may be easier.
Opinion - the Stromberg 97 metering circuitry is FAR advanced of the Holley 94; even though the Stromberg was disconinued in 1938, and Holley continued to make the model 94 into the mid-1960's.
The Stromberg EE-1 (the 97 was a model of the EE-1) was designed in 1933 for use on 1934 model cars.
Rumor has it that the Holley 94 was designed by a couple of Stromberg engineers, REJECTED by Stromberg, and then went into production circa 1937 when the two Stromberg engineers left Stromberg and formed their own company (Chandler-Groves). I know for a fact that many of the early Chandler-Groves parts are interchangeable with Stromberg parts of the day. After about the first year of production, the parts changed. I cannot confirm the rumor.
Atomarc -
BXVD
B - series
X - cross flange
V - vacuum power system
D - built-in dashpot
BXOV
B - series
X - cross flange
O - 1/8 inch oversize throttle bore (for S.A.E. size)
V - vacuum power system
Numbers following letters:
First number - S.A.E. flange size
Second number (if present) 5=electric choke, 6=hot air choke
Jon.
