best carbs for chevy 216 2x1?

I'm putting a edelbrock 2x1 and split manifold on a otherwise stock chevy 216. The carb stud spacing is 2-3/4".
Any opinions on the best carbs for this set-up?

 

Not the cheapest to rebuild, but readily available would be a pair of Carter W-1 from a 46-48 Chevy 216. They can be identified by the throttle arm having 2 bends and there being a bowl vent tube. The earlier versions do not have the vent tube and the throttle arm is flat.
The '41 carb has the bends, but no vent tube. Do not use this one.
The '49 carb has the 2 bends and the vent tube, but it also has a "fast idle" linkage that goes from the throttle up to the choke. These could also be used, but are overkill and are a few dollars more to rebuild.

Hudson used a pair of Carter WA-1 on there dual carb setups, so thats another possibility. I don't know anything about these, or if they even came with the right base size.

Otherwise, alot of guys like the Stromberg BVOX-2. These are harder to get and alot more expensive.

You could also use a pair of Rochester "B", but they can be harder to tune than the others. There is an article in th tech tips section over at www.inliners.org that tells how to get then to work right.

 

What Snarl said is RIGHT -ON and I agree with him on the choice of the 46-48 W-1's.

 

Well, I already have a 49 Carter W-1, so I guess it is a no brainer to just find another! Thanks

 

Don't go by dates alone. 2 Carter 684s carbs would probably not be a good choice. You want the ones with the triangular br*** tag that states 574s. If you are missing the br*** tag, you may be able to identify the carb by the number stamped on the bottom of the flange. I believe that the 574s used 421 on the base. The 684s used 603.

Best place for rebuild kits is The Carburetor Shop in Eldon, MI. Jon really knows his Carters and has VERY complete kits.

 

I have the same set-up.Edelbrock 2x1,Fentons with duals and stock 216 in a 49 Chevy,I used Holley 1904s,originally from early Facons/Ford products or IHC trucks,smaller CFMs than the Rochesters but not sure about the W-1s,easy to set up and kit readily available,runs great,no choke needed and no heated intake manifold...Ken

 

So how much get-up-and-go do you get out of your 216 now? Mine is bone stock and I have dubbed it the "Mangina 216". I was considering swapping it for a 283. However, I may just begin collecting all the parts for the swap and tweak out the 216 in the mean time. I saw your engine and saw a ray of hope that I may be able to find satisfaction for the time being.

 

A little more torque and pick up over stock,no way this thing will ever keep up with ny son in laws 53 Olds Rocket!..or even my daughter 64 Galaxie with a 352..but when you pop the hood the WOW factor seems to take over,overall it runs way better than the single W1,especialy down the highway when you want to p*** someone,I did swap the rear for a 54 PowerGlide 3.54 ratio which is the best thing you can do for $50 in my opinion,plus you get a rid of the Huck brakes for the better Bendix brakes...Ken

 

+1

I have a pair of these Hudson WA-1's. They are tagged 2013s. They use the small SAE flange ( 2 11/16ths inch) used for the 216. Same as the W-1. These have automatic chokes on both carbs. Seems like overkill...and a pain in the *** to set up. I tend to prefer using manual chokes on only one carb for simplicity.

 

The WA-1 2013s should work exceptionally well with a relatively stock 216. A major camshaft or exhaust change would mean different vacuum piston springs for the carbs.

One nice feature of the WA-1 carb is the leather accelerator pump, which is not damaged by the use of modern deathanol.

And I agree with you completely on manual chokes!

Jon.

 

Have a question, will the Clifford 1x2, 235 manifold fit a 1951, 216 engine?