Chevman32 - if everyone liked the stuff I like, then it would be so expensive I couldn't afford it :big grin: !
Like I said above, we could make them work, and work almost as well as Carters, for awhile.
But my philosophy on working on something is evidently different than yours. We heavily modified the engine in my shop truck for performance and fuel economy. 15 years and 400,000 miles later when the rust gremlins destroyed the body for the third time, I gave in and scraped the truck. During that time, the carburetor went totally untouched, as did the engine. Normal maintenance (oil,lub, filters, belts, tires, brakes and electical) was all that was done other than drive it. Extended wheel-base van with 300 CID 6, 22 MPG at 70 MPH. This is my idea of how a carburetor (or a vehicle) is supposed to perform.
Fix it once, then forget it, and do something else.
However, from a professional standpoint, another issue arises: returns. If we do not feel that a carburetor will last our 1 year unlimited mileage guarantee, then we simply do not do the carburetor.
Oddly enough, we feel most other Rochesters (excepting the types AA, BB, R and RC) are excellent carburetors. We really do like the rest of the Rochester line. The 2G series, 4G series, and quadrajets are all excellent design; both working well and pretty much maintenance-free (well, some of the 1965~1966 Q-jets have some issues).
And opinions change with time. For years I have been advocating the use of the Carter YF, as they are an excellent carburetor, and cheap. Unfortunately, they utilize a diaphragm type pump; and the diaphragms to NOT like deathanol. Not too bad in a daily driver, but for a collector vehicle that is driven infrequently, the diaphragms dry out, and once having been in deathanol and allowed to dry, begin to deteriorate. I no longer recommend these carbs unless one can still buy gasoline.
But as I said in my first post, many ways to "skin the cat". Disagreement with respect on the part of all parties increases the knowledge base of all. I learn much more from those who disagree with me than from those who agree.
Jon.
