The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Stromberg 97 x 3 carb setup on GMC 302

Ok, need some recommendations. I have a completely rebuilt 302 GMC straight 6. I have custom stainless headers, going to a custom 2" stainless duel exhaust. I have a McGurk long intake, which I plan on running three stromberg 97's. I have the carbs, but need to be rebuilt. I want to do the rebuilds myself, and feel confident that I can handle it. Who sells the best copmplete rebuild kits, and what should I be looking for? Also, should I run all three, or block off one, or two carbs? Lastly, who sells a good quality, linkage setup? Should this be a straight linkage setup, or progressive? Any help is greatly apprciated.

One thing to look for on the Stromberg 97's is airhorn warpage. Stromberg only used 5 screws to hold the airhorn to the bowl, and the airhorns warp. This must be straightened by using heat and pressure. On the next series carbs (the AA series from 1937) Stromberg changed to 8 screws which solved the problem.

How they are hooked up may depend on the configuration of the intake, but if possible, I would use a primary center, and two secondary ends.

Calibration will probably be necessary. I would suggest the use of a power valve in the center carburetor, and no power valve (jets only) in the two end carbs.

For BEST performance, the entire idle circuits (idle jets, air bleeds, etc.) should be removed and plugged on the end carbs (assuming primary/secondary setup).

Kits and calibration parts, as well as advice, are available.

Jon.

Thanks Carbking.

I forgot to mention, I have three 97's, that look identical, with one exception. One of the three has a larger "97" than the other two. The other side says 31/32 on all three. Also, one them has a fuel line running from the bottom of the bowl, up to the top side of the bowl, with a small fitting and small diameter line that was cut. Any idea what this was for?? I wish I knew how to add pictures to my posts.

Thanks

There are 14 different Stromberg 97 carburetors. They were original equipment of Foorrdd products from 1935 to 1938 (the 1934 used the 48).

My guess is that the small fuel line may have been for an accessory Southwind gasoline heater.

While most refer to the 97 as a model 97 from the 97 cast in the side of the bowl, it is more correctly referred as a model EE-1 for Ford. The model E was the second Stromberg downdraft carburetor (replacing the horrible model D). The double letter meant it was a two barrel, and the 1 meant S.A.E. size 1. Other versions of the EE-1 were used on Buick, Olds, Nash, etc.

Jon.