I have an early '30 Ford coupe with a well worn banger. I am looking to getting it rebuilt sometime next year and running down draft carburetion. Basic plans for rebuild; 6:1 compression, touring cam with .330 to .340 lift, insert bearings crank and rods. Oil to center main bearing. Stock exhaust manifold, full flow oil filtering. Counterweight and balance crank pending costs. Looking at Stromberg carbs: dual, progressive linked 81s (226 cfm), single 97 (162cfm) or single big97 (250cfm). These flow rates support rpms up to 3900, 2800 and 4300 respectively. Although I doubt I would be seeing 4k revs, the big97 is described as having better low volume flow characteristics than the basic 97. Single 81 has a flow rate of 113cfm that is good for 2,000 rpms and I would like to have capability of running up to 3500 rpm. Comments on real world experience of running these carbs on a mild build?
I'd do dual 81s or a single Big97. Really depends on the intake you want to use. I believe the stock exhaust manifold is fine with a little porting for even a seriously hopped up Banger, so you're fine there as well. I'll be interested to follow your build, my dad has a hankering to throw some parts at a rebuilt motor for his '30 Coupe, and I'd love to see how yours goes! ~Peter
If you want to run a single carb, maybe a 48 would be better than that big 97. I’m thinking the big 97 would be too much. 48 flows around 175-180 I think. I’ve had good luck in the past with a single 97. Small cam, headers, 6.5 head. Ran very well with stock jets. there’s Weber carbs. But I don’t think they look as nice. I honestly think this is your best bet for performance. I’ve had a pair on a Chevy a couple years ago and they’re great carbs. Like I said though, don’t look as nice as a Stromberg. I’ve had a BB Winfield in the past and I never got it to run right. I’m going to try again with a B I have which has all matching parts. pricey and hard to find in the past few years.
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