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#1465918 09/10/2022 4:26 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15
So... my little 270 has a zenith. What's a decent carter or Rochester carb that can be used? One mechanic said a Carter Y. I noticed the Carter has the closest set up style as the Zenith. Thanks.


now...where did that part go??
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 892
1
'Bolter
'Bolter
1 Offline
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 892
You can send your take-off Zenith to me. I'll pay the postage.


1951 3800 1-ton
"Earning its keep from the get-go"
In the DITY Gallery
1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,482
J
Moderator, Electrical Bay
Moderator, Electrical Bay
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,482
Well, there are Carter YF models made for the Ford 300 that might be good. The Carter YF3211S was the final carburetor made for the 235 and is a very good one (auto choke) and possibly the other Jon (CarbKing) may show up with some other suggestions. Honestly, your Zenith might be the best option, however. I'll bet large that Jon (CarbKing) has a rebuild kit for it and can help you get it back on the right path. You don't want a Rochester for it. Really hard to find one made for the 261 that hasn't been buggered like crazy and the Rochesters had some fundamental flaws that with today's gas make it worse.


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,453
B
'Bolter
'Bolter
B Offline
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,453
GMC used Zenith carbs for a reason, they were better than the Rochester model 'B' built by G.M.
The model 'B' that would be best: '63 - '67 from a 292. There is one that comes up on Portland cl from time to time, has a tag, comes with manifolds. I inquired about it awhile back, would only sell as unit, I didn't want it bad enough pay shipping.


BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,705
W
back yard wrench turner
back yard wrench turner
W Online: Content
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,705
I converted to a Weber 32/38 in place of the Zenith on my 270. It runs decent but will stumble at higher rpms. I think the fuel pump can't keep up at the higher revs.


Wayne
1938 1-Ton Farm Truck
Stovebolt Gallery Forums
1989 Silverado
1996 Mustang GT convertible
When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,095
W
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,095


Ron, The Computer Greek
I love therefore I am.
1954 3100 Chevy truck
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1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
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B
Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon
B Offline
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,660
We need more information...please.

For goodness sake if you have or had an original running engine and Hydramatic transmission, don't make changes now. It's like putting the cart before the horse. The absolute best carburetor is the one that came with the engine-transmission combination. I skimmed your past postings and didn't see anything about what you have other that a 1954 GMC plus your handle includes Hydramatic. I hope you took pictures and made notes of the shifter and throttle linkages before you pulled the engine. It will be agonizing to get it right again. Very few here can help guide you to get "Humpty-Dumpty" back together again and working correctly. If you plan to use another type transmission then please forgive my panic-ranting.


"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use."
"I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,765
C
Carburetion specialist
Carburetion specialist
C Offline
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,765
If you have an automatic transmission; would be best to rebuild the original Zenith (opinion).

Jon


Good carburetion is fuelish hot air
The most expensive carburetor is the wrong one you attempt to modify.
If you truly believe "one size fits all," try walking a mile in your spouse's shoes!
The Carburetor Shop

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