Denny - for years I have been recommending the use of Carter YF carburetors, provided the PROPER YF was used. I am no longer doing this for all applications, as the YF uses a neopreme diaphragm style accelerator pump; and neopreme does NOT like deathanol.
So my recommendation NOW is: if you live in a area where you are not "blessed" with deathanol, the YF is still an excellent choice. If you must use deathanol and use the YF, then start the vehicle daily or close to daily, so the fuel does not have time to evaporate from the bowl. Once the neopreme has been exposed to deathanol, and is allowed to dry, it tends to harden; and then will crack when flexed.
Except as in the previous paragraph, we are now recommending the Carter W-1 for all 216 applications, and multi-carb applications on the 235 and 261. The W-1 has a leather pump, which is impervious to deathanol.
For a single 235 application, we are suggesting (except as in the paragraph on the YF), the more expensive Zenith and Stromberg carburetors. The older Zenith carbs have a metal pump, and the Strombergs have a leather pump, both of which are impervious to deathanol.
The Carter WA-1 series is also an excellent series, and were used on engines as large as the 235; but still have the S.A.E. size 2 flange, thus requiring an adapter if used on a 235 intake.
Various YF carburetors were used on engines from 134 CID fours to 300 CID sixes.
Every carbureted car and truck I now own, with the exception of a 2.3 factory turbo car that has a Holley, has been converted to a Carter. I have the cylinder head, manifold, and Carter 4 barrel for the 2.3 turbo, but need a couple of cases of new old stock 48 hour days in order to install it.
Jon.
