Being new to the Fronty scene, I'm wondering what seems to be the "best" carburetor for use on a Fronty. Let me clarify what I mean by "best". I don't want to go 100 mph. I want to travel at regular touring speeds but still enjoy a little extra snap to take advantage of the Fronty, (and justify what it cost).
I have a Model S and a Model T head if that helps. I've seen Stromberg OS-2's & OS-1's, Winfields and Zenith's that all would fit but what would be a good, dependable semi-snappy carb to use?
My vote is the Winfield. I am planning on running an SR downdraft on my Fronty project. I've seen guys run the Stromberg OF, with great success. Not sure if the carb needed modifications.
I used to know quite a few people with Frontys. They are all dead now, but the W-1 seemed to be the favorite. The 1938 was the best of the bunch.
In case you don't know what a W-1 is, it is a Carter.
I know that the m38 jeep carburetor looks and works great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CARBURETOR-M38A1-G758-F-HEAD-JEEP-ENGINE_W0QQitemZ1801274646 20QQihZ008QQcategoryZ588QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I know the Winfields are popular and all, but at that price, they should be. I have been running a Stromberg MB-1 side draft with great results. You see them sometimes on ebay in the $60 range. I have several that I bought at flea markets for $25-$50.
Frank
While I do not "yet" own a Fronty, I have done considerable reading on speedster and accessory parts and have been fortunate to chat with a lot of fellows who know a great deal in this area. The one carb that has always been highly regarded is the Winfield due to the multiple jet adjustment that allows you to really tune in this carb. The barrel valve mechanism works nice and smooth. Yes, it is a pricey carb relative to other old carbs but what does modern carburation cost (which would most likely be fuel-injectors)? When you compare a modern carb cost to something that is era correct like a Winfield which was one of Kings of Carburation, what is $300 for a decent good carb anyways? If a fellow has a Fronty, why spoil the looks with a modern carb? If you are confined to a budget, the above mentioned Stromberg's would be good choices to go with as they are brass bodied and well built.
Depends. Aircleaner? Do you want the carb to stick through the hood?
I haven't figured out how to mount an updraft carb on a Fronty, because of the steering column. That leaves sidedraft or downdraft. Downdraft wasn't generally available until 1930, so if T era is important to you...
If you want an aircleaner, it just about requires an elbow. I had my welder guy Shirley make some for me out of exhaust plumbing. If you don't use an aircleaner, or at least a screen you run a real danger of a backfire resulting in an engine fire and extinguisher residue, or worse:
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The aluminum Winfield 5H like I run is a good one. The later ones, M, S, SR, are potmetal, and you've heard those horrors.
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I also like the Stromberg MB-1. The MB-2 is too big. An LB or OB would be even better, as they have acceleration enrichment. The L,M,O,R are model. The B is sidedraft.
rdr