Are Stromberg 81’s more valuable than its 97 and 48 cousins? It seems that they are but I would like to get some confirmation.
I just picked up a manifold for my Rutherford OHV head with 3 of the 48s on it. They don't have jets or floats in them but I've got plenty of those lying around (as long as the 97 stuff fits).
All the 97 related stuff fits, though it appears you have a miss-match of parts. The bases on 48's only have 1 location for the fuel-pump pushrod and the choke linkage is just a bit different. My recommendation is to use ALL 97 bases (so you have the two fuel-pump pushrod locations) as well as 97 tops - so they match the linkage from the bases.
At least the tops / air horns, are the correct tops for Stromberg 81, and 97 carburetors. The bases for the 48, and 97 carburetors are the same. It is the throttle shafts that are different. Stromberg 97 and 81 carburetors use the same throttle shaft, models 40, and 48 use the same shafts, but they are different shafts than that used on 81's and 97's.
The bases are actually different for 48's vs 97's - as the choke linkage and air horns are different for 48's. As the 48 was the first of the three, the tops do not have the little spring-loaded detent (in the tops) that aligns with the hole in the choke linkage to help keep the choke open. So, the linkage (which is attached to the base) on a true 48 base does not have the hole in it for the detent to index too. I like to run the 97 tops and bases with 48 center sections.
The 81 are difficult to find as they were only made for a few years. They were replaced with the chandler grove carburetor aka 94 or the 91-99 aka 81 used on the v8-60 and they were only made for a few years as well. I see a lot of model A and T guys use them on their hop ups hot rods. Great little carb but usually close to double the cost of a 97
I think I remember that the model of the Chandler Grove was a model '92' . . . could be wrong on that. They always seem to be worth more than a core 97 . . . and I agree, about twice as much. It is important to look them over before you buy them - to see that they have the correct 81 base (smaller ****erflies).
View attachment 6000877 View attachment 6000877 In France they made them into the early 1950's . 22.2 is embossed on the side which is the metric for .81. All the 81 kits interchange.I have sold about 30+ of them and most went to US and Australia.I sell them for $250 ea + sh.
Hello! I have three 81's on an Offy manifold. This set up was on the car in my profile, but my father switched to a 4 barrel Holley 650 I'm curious what this is worth. Its been sitting for several years but I'm sure it was well put together initially. Why did my dad swap it out for the Holley? No idea... its a mystery, except that he wanted reliability at shows and long run rallies... Any help with value or details you notice about this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Sandi - A Fireman's Daughter Daughter
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