first off let me say I'm not a engine guy so thats why I turn to the hamb for help. In my 29 model a truck im running a 55 Chevy 265 with a 39 trans,the motor will be basically stock internal. I picked up an original Offy adapter to run to 2 barrels on the stock 4 barrel manifold. Here's the question I can pick up two Holley 94s rebuilt or two Stromberg large logo 97s rebuilt for the same price, which is better or are they pretty even thanks
I run them both with good results. I tend to prefer the 94's simply because I can get jets, rebuild kits, ect locally and 97's I have to mail order everything I need. You might not have the same issue.
This is one of those never-ending debates. Do a search and you'll see. They're nearly the same size and in my (humble) opinion they have some technical distinctions but are both good carburetors. I think the biggest difference is that Strombergs have become real popular (and accordingly more expensive in whole or in parts). For the same price, I'd take the Strombergs for that reason alone.
The new Strombergs work great....Just like the oldies..... Be sure to keep fuel pressure to 4 lb or a bit less. 4TTRUK
Edelbrock now reproduces the excat Holley 94 carburetor and they perform nicley and are cheaper than the 97 reproductions. The 94s need the correct power valves when used in a multi carb set up, but this has been covered many times on here.
I have both and would probably go for the 94's just because they seem to be a bit less expensive. I can still find them at swap meets...
They are both great carbs and either one would serve you very well . Stromberg's are more sensitive to fuel pressure than a Holley will be . The Holley is easier to get parts for and usually cost less . Now if I could get either one at the same price , then I would get the Stromberg's . Retro Jim
Guys who can afford it- Strombergs Guys who can't- Holley 94. I have had nothing but good from my 94's. Just have to show them some regular love and attention. And as previously stated, you can get parts locally.
the Holleys are easier to get parts for but perhaps not as classy, the holley 94s depending on the guts in the venturis run about 145- 155 cfm, a stromberg about 200 cfm, I've run both and the holleys seem to give better fuel milage, I ran 6 94s on my desoto hemi and if I took it easy could get 21mpg, with 3 97s on a hopped up flattie I got less. One major advantage to the holleys is that the float beather pukes into the engine so if you flood you don,t spray fuel all over your engine [leaky plug wire syndrome] with the 97s the fuel will come out the hole for the acelerator pump rod on the top of the float bowl, while this is easier on your engine the risk of fire is much greater [leaky plug wire syndrome]. Having said all this an open engine compartment is the best way to go cause you have a drier more vented atmosphere. Just my opinion.
I was under the impression that the 94 actually flowed a little more than the 97 in their "standard" configuration. Anybody confirm?
I heard the same, but I can't find the reference. I also have seen bench testing reports that all carbs (same models) have variations plus or minus a few CFMs based on smoothness of the castings, etc. I do disagree that the 97 is a 200 CFM carb, because even the larger Stromberg 48 is only rated at 180 CFMs.
sorry folks, I was wrong once before and I guess it happened again, although I would stick with everthing I typed above except the cfm on a 97, I believe you guys are right about the lower cfm on a 97, that was a # I picked of the web 10 years ago and since you challenged that # I looked again and what I now find confirms what you say, my humble apologies.
Ford switched from Stromberg 97s to Ford/Holley 94s in 1937 for the new 24-stud engine set for introduction in 1938 . The 94 was designed jointly by Ford and Chandler Groves, with C/G being awarded the contract to produce for 1 year. After that, ford brought production in-house for a time until they contracted Holley to produce. I know Henry was a vicious business man, and I'm sure the move was to save a couple pennies per car, but if the Strombergs are "superior" (more desired currently), why did Henry change to, and ultimately stick with, the 94 design until at least 1957? Fifteen years seems to be a long life, especially comparing to only 6 years (1932 to 1938) of Strombergs (40, 80, 48, 97)? I would think us hot-rodders would be looking for better efficiency (more power from less fuel) and simplicity of design. And if you bugger up the threads on a 97, you need to source a body, where 94 owners only need to find a bowl top.
Henry didn't treat Chandler/Groves very fairly. It was legal apparently but not very respectful. It is my understanding that He had C/G design and build the new carburetor because the Strombergs weren't as efficient as he would like and the gas mileage needed to improve. Also the Strombergs were suspect in a number of engine fires. I use the Holley '94s myself but the Strombergs are the traditional choice of hotrodders when you can find them. I believe they both flow around 155-160cfm. If you look at the venturi size, .97inch venturis are not going to flow signicantly more than a .94" venturi.
I switched from three 97s to three Ford/Holley ECG 94s on the 283 in my ‘27T roadster and it was a huge performance improvement. The 97s ran ok but did occasionally have a little flooding problem but the little engine really came to life with the bigger carbs.
Don't forget that the "94" design was used in carbs sized from 94/100 to 1-1/8" (ECG). another reason to mix-n-match parts to fit your needs. I've heard that the 94's have enough meat in the venturi castings to take them out to 1-1/4"!!! Talk about flow!!!
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