The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop carb recomendations

Ok, I've been reading posts, and checking other sites. What I really need, is recommendations for a single carb setup for my 235 ci stock engine, best performance and fuel economy.

Everyone has their own opinion whether right or wrong. Ultimately it is your dollar not ours. What someone here recommends might not necessarily be the best for your application. You say you have done a Stovebolt site search? If so, you are going to get the same information from this post as you read in your search. Good luck.

best performance and fuel economy are not quite opposites, but represent different values of "best".

Like others have mentioned, the term "best" has different meanings to different folks. In the area or carburetor replacement; many would consider:

(A) power
(B) fuel economy
(C) reliability
(D) appearance
(E) initial cost

Your call.

Jon.

It also depends on how frequently you start and use the truck. As has been discussed here before, engines which don't get used often will probably do better with some carburetors than others...

There are 2 different carburetor flange patterns as to bolt spacing used on the 235.
216, early 235: 2-11/16" SAE #2
Late 235, 261 2-15/16" SAE #3
This narrows the carburetor choice to what fits your engine.

FWIW, I wanted to stay period correct, so replaced the Rochester B (SAE 3 flange) that was on on my '53 (w/ '54 passenger 235) with an NOS Chevy-spec Stromberg BXVD-35 I picked up (#380295, stamped 14-25, electric auto choke), and it made a world of difference in drivability and smoothness. Of course, the Rochester B was warped and leaking... so maybe not quite a fair comparison. Best option? IDK, but I'm very happy with the Stromberg. For reference, the equivalent BXVD-3 manual choke carb is #380286, code 14-24. Just one option...

DrDoug - FWIW, I would rate the Stromberg at the top (or tied for the top) in categories above post of (A), (B), and (C). (D) is subjective (do you like blue eyes or brown?). I don't generally recommend the Stromberg as it will generally be at the top of the price scale (E) above (highest).

Jon.

Thanks, Jon. I've managed to pick up a few reasonably priced NOS Stromberg carbs over the past several years. It does take patience... lot's of the ones that pop up are crazy $$$$.

Don't really care about beauty/appearance, looking more into a well rounded performance two barrel, with enough cfm not to choke or overwhelm the motor, which came out of a '56.

Oh come on...instead of all the vagueness, qualifiers and hedging, somebody have the fortitude to give the guy an actual recommendation! He asked what YOU like, so tell him what works for you and why!

Thank you Jay!! What I've been seeing is the two barrel is the most prominently used. weber 32/36 or 38, ford 300.

I've also seen 4 barrels used, but don't want to over carb the motor. If it's possible to use a 4bbl what size would be appropriate?

How to avoid over carbureting the motor: don't put your foot down all the way.

200 CFM

Jon