Hi DJ
You're on the money with the old Rochesters. I'm sure there are those out there who are willing to take time to put bushings in the carb base to shore up a sloppy throttle shaft and bake the air horn to straighten it out. Returning trucks to their original glory is a big part of the Stovebolt scene. However, if you're looking for a no fuss, no muss, carb for your "driver" the H/W's and C/W's have proven their stuff...at least to me.
To answer your question.....on a relatively stock 216 or 235 a single H/W is just the ticket. It more closely matches the CFM needs of a stock engine. A single C/W would be a little less carb than you needed. On a dual setup, with a relatively stock 216/235 a pair of Carter/Webers would be the preferred setup. On a 261 or a cammed 235 with some tweaking a pair of H/W's would be more to your liking.
Are you getting the picture?
As for max efficiency...in my case the jury is still out on my dual C/W's on an Offy intake with a tweaked engine, built for low-end torque. As far as performance, it's a pure hoot to drive, coupled with the 5 speed and a 3.42 diff.
I've only put about 450 miles on my fresh engine so mileage-wise I can't verify the 20-21 mpg I'm aiming for at 60-65 mph. Even if I have to settle for 18mpg I will be happy with my setup. I have observed that my #1 and #6 cylinder exhaust header temps are down which leads me to believe that the lean burn (and resulting higher temps) I was experiencing with the single Rochester carb have been effected. This is by no means a scientific analysis...just something I've noted with my little infrared handheld thermometer.
There are a number of H/W's and C/W's being run by various truck owners who use this forum...I've yet to find anyone who has any negative feedback....the carbs are reasonably priced, relatively easy to install, and you have Tom Langdon (he's a real live person in Michigan, USA) to ring up if you do hit a bump in the road. As I see it...it's a viable alternative to nursing a 50 year old carb that has seen better days. I personally don't think you will regret the upgrade! Hope this helps.
Dave
