The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 53/54 Corvette side draft carbs

How does a Corvette 3 carb setup function in comparison to a aftermarket multi carb setup? Thanks

Apples/oranges.

Depends on which aftermarket intake, and how well you choose the carburetors.

However, with most installations, I would agree with Panic.

Jon.

Ok, so my next question is....how does the corvette setup work on a non corvette application. I realize it my be difficult at best to put on a ad truck.

Should work fine. It would certainly be a trick setup. I'd love to see something like that in an AD truck.

The '53 Corvette's 235 made the following numbers:
Horsepower @ rpm 150: @ 4200
Torque @ rpm, pound-foot: 223 @ 2400

And here's a link to see a good pic of a Blue Flame 6...
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/...20drive/ContientalBlueFlame6Corvette.jpg

That blue sure looks different from these examples:


http://wackydave.fotki.com/cars_-_various_themes/engines/inline_6_cylinders/dsc09040.html

http://wackydave.fotki.com/cars_-_various_themes/engines/inline_6_cylinders/dsc09057.html

Curt's two photos show an engine that is painted a color closer to truck engine gray.

Hot Rod Dad's photo show an engine painted a little darker blue than the Blue Flame engines that I have seen (but this difference could be due to photo/lighting).

I do not gamble but I'd be willing to bet you would never get the 53-55 Corvette 3-side-draft carburetor set-up to ever fit into an Advance-Design engine bay, without serious re-routing of the steering column (and, if the truck has a 3-speed shift linkage, that would add more problems).

You know what? I don't know. I'm going to go home and look in my AD engine bay. The one carb that looks like there could be a conflict is that rearmost carb.

Anyhow, not too many people have successfully fit V8's in these AD trucks without having to change out the steering system for something else. But I am one of them.
However, as a result, my exhaust is a little odd. Shorty headers turned upside down, (pointing up), and then still needed to space the steering box an inch outboard.

did you ever look into this?? i would like to see it done

This setup has been on Ebay for some time. No takers yet. Parts missing, amateurish-looking weld repairs, and a ridiculous price tag! There's probably a pretty good reason we don't see many of these on restored pickups.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1953...arts_Accessories&hash=item588ccfc334

Jerry

As to whether or not the setup will fit in a truck, I cannot say positively.

As to the unit on Ebay which Jerry referenced: too bad the one choke tower is missing. There would be some additional expense in fixing the weld (weld looks like something I would do, except I learned long ago I cannot weld, so no longer even attempt welding!)

As to the price of the unit on Ebay: EXTREMELY CHEAP! These things are QUITE scarce, but most 1953~1954 Corvettes are already restored, so someone wanting the setup is also quite scarce. One day, someone will find a parts car under a haystack in an old barn missing the setup; and rip the flap off his pants pocket getting to his wallet for this setup (and no, it isn't mine; mine is significantly higher in price!).

Jon.

Curt B., I just saw this 'topic' in the engine shop and it 'caught my eye'. I don't see/hear this discussion very often. I wasn't really sure how to reply? but after reading through ,,, settled on your comment "I'd love to see something like that in an AD truck." ,,, Check out the 'mill' in my 53' on one of the 'highlighted' sites below. Not exactly a 'cookie cutter' set-up ,,, for sure!

Now that is a sweet looking set-up. What steering set-up are you using?

Thanks ,,, The frame, cab and steering are all stock 55 1st series GMC, in stock position. I did notch the steering column tube directly below rear carburetor to add a tiny bit of clearance for carb drain tube fitting.

Looks great. How is the drivability? How long have you been running that setup. Don

good job on the carb set up.

good to know i have use for my corvette set up now. this has been one of those things everyone tells me can not be done,,,,, but now we all know better.

thanks for sharing the pics,,, if you could show more it would be great.

Thanks guy's ,,, Performance is 'Great',,, very responsive ,,, A very basic and simple multicarb arrangement. I've got just over 2100 miles on this set-up. The only time I checked 'fuel mileage was during engine 'break-in' period and it was just over 18 MPG! Anyway, I think it's really 'cool' to keep it all Chevy, including the factory dual exhaust manifold (sure wish now I'd had that part ceramic-coated prior to installation),,, "Oh Well"...
Wrench Fetcher, I think I have some other pic's that I'll email you, stuff that I haven't put on Photo-Bucket. John

Excellent point Jerry. I know Offy makes a three carb set up for 235 Wayne head but other than than I have no experience on the issue.
Corvettes of that era should be souped up cautiously.... sleepers rock!
JMHO

Humble Newby

Tom is right. I have a triple I bought at a Swap Meet in Nebraska last summer. When I got home I could hardly wait to get to work. Next stumbling block was the steering column clearance issue. Now I'm working with a Steering person who has a great reputation for finished product and we' are working on it. The manifold will get used but finding carburetor parts has been difficult. But... look, it is over 65 years old too.
Normbc9

what year are you putting it on Normbc9?

Don Stocker,
I had a '54 Corvette for two years and foolishly sold it to get a '60 FI Corvette. Mine ran great. Considering what time and technology was at that time ('55-59) it was really a good concept. A buddy of mine found a complete side draft setup at a Auto Swap meeting in Pleasanton, CA and took it home and installed that on a 261 he had worked over. It is still in his first series '55 Chevy 3100. It had the Power-glide behind it too and is a good combination for a street driver. If you can find one of these setup for a reasonable price I'd tell you get it. I do know a technician in my town that is a side draft carburetor ace. He has people from all over this nation sending their to him to rebuild. He has the knowledge, tools, bench set up and contacts for parts.
Normbc9