The Rochester is not a bad design, only a victim of poor procedures. I have run them for many years, never had one to leak or run rich. I bother to tune them properly, with the right jetting. On a 1954 with 235 engine I have regularly achieved 24 m.p.g. and held the record at several drag strips for stock class with the same vehicle. My 1953 with 235 Rochester carb. and Fenton headers ran a 16.15 e.t. at 79.65 m.p.h. I don't know of a stock 235 that ever went any faster, and have several trophies to prove it. I am running two Rochester carbs on my 1954 GMC 248 pickup and mileage is good and it runs great. It's not necessary to change carbs to make your 235 run good, just a little patience.
