The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Carter 2101s vs. Zenith 11963

This question is for the very few carb experts.

I'm currently using a Carter 2101s on a 261 (bored to 265).
Runs great, idles smooth, all the good stuff. I used it on my 235 with similar success.

I've been buying carbs for years and also have a Zenith 11963.

I'm looking for "seat of pants" performance, not fuel economy.


Other carbs I've acquired:
Carter YF for 258 AMC
Holly Economizer for 258 AMC
Carter YF for 292 Chevy
Fish (X2)
Stromberg BXUV-35

I've ruled out the Holly and of course the Fish. Feedback from the Carb King and others might help future readers. Thx

This will be interesting as I am looking at carb options for my 302. I hope the experts help us out!

It would be interesting to know WHICH BXUV-35 that you have.

Between the two you mentioned, my guess would be the Carter would give better fuel economy (I know, not the important criteria), and be somewhat smoother across the entire range of RPM.

As far as "seat of pants" performance, I am going way out on a limb, so dig out your saws

I think the Zenith would do a wee bit better in the 1/4 mile (maybe a tenth???), and the Carter would be a wee bit faster on the salt flats (maybe 1 MPH???).

In other words, between the two mentioned, use the one YOU like.

There are better Zeniths if one does some homework.

Jon.

Thanks for the response. Sounds reassuring for the Carter.

Better Zenith carb for my engine? Yes.
Available Zenith carbs for my engine? No.
Edit: recently there was an NOS Zenith for the 1955 Hydramatic and the "Buy it now" was $500. Nope.

My Stromberg is an A-19113

The Stromberg you have would not work as well as either the Carter or the Zenith on your application.

G.M.C. used a LOT of different Zenith carburetors of different sizes on their 270. The one you have is one of the most common small ones used.

Jon

Quote "recently there was an NOS Zenith for the 1955 Hydramatic and the "Buy it now" was $500. Nope." End quote

This would be a really good price for a decent core. Dirt cheap for new old stock!

The larger Zeniths show up from time to time; just need to do your homework to determine which ones you can use.

Jon.

I'm running a Zenith 228 11963 on my 261, pretty good results. My 261 is bored .060 to 269ci; found the carb on an old GMC 270. Lots of power and acceleration. Only compliant (not even sure this is carb releated) is a very very slight hesitation upon hitting the gas pedal at low RPMs. Doesn't affect drivability at all.

One thing to note - you'll need a model 175 base for the 261 engine. Bolt hole space is wider than a 174 base, which will fit a 235. Those are very hard to find.

My thought - if your current carb performs near perfect, why mess with it? The difference in performance you'd realize on your stock truck wouldn't be worth it - it's still a slow old truck.

Green_98,
That was the basis of this post. Would it be worth it. Survey says no.

Also, fiddling with these old motors is the fun part.

Or I could go with this NOS 11579

But your box indicates 11579?

Obviously a typo.

11579 then.