solex

I am sure this has been hashed over a hundred times, but I can't seem to find the info I need searching for it. I am going to replace a good working Carter carb on my 64 cj5 f134. Is there any performance or drivability upgrade for doing this. Is the Solex tunable for a header and free flowing exhaust? I read posts that say they were better than a crappy carb, but are they better than a good carb? Does anyone have a used header for a f134? Clifford wants 340 smackaroos for one! Nearly what I paid for the Jeep! Even a rusty one I could use as a pattern would be good.

 

Thanks for the input. I may wait on the carb, but the header will make it on the jeep by spring. I have a flowmaster muffler and duals on it, and I can't help but think a header would help that awful manifold! By the same token, what goes in must come out, so the carb may have to follow.Is the throttle bore larger on the solex? If so then it would most likely flow more cfm. Also being a newer design, atomization and fuel control are likely better than the old carter. More feedback would be appreciated on this subject by others that have gone here before.

 

I'm not real happy with my solex. It was on the jeep when I bought it. I've been adjusting the idle mixture screw damn near every day to get it to idle. Carb always frost's up when it's cold and builds up with condensation when it's warm. Go figure. Time for a Carter.

 

I've been very happy with my Solex, then again, it replaced a very worn out carb. I have the Clifford header, and I'm happy with it. Not sure if it is worth the money as far as hp gain, but as a personal choice, I'm all for it. Some people like chrome rims, I like headers. Only thing I would suggest is to get it coated to cut down on the heat.

 

The Solex is an excellent replacement but wait until the Carter needs rebuliding before spending your money. The Solex made mine a little more cold natured. It does run well though.

 

I will leave the Carter alone for now, but a header will be done soon. Thanks for all the input. By the way, what is the primary tube diamater and length on a Clifford header? Thinking I will make one. I have the equipment, shop, knowledge, but short on time. Good winter project!

 

Sorry for chiming in a few days late, Give your good carter a chance with the headers, This basic 1bbl carb design was used on engines twice as big as the F-Head.
It should efficiently flow more air than the little F-Head could ever ingest.
It takes a little patience but its not hard to custom tune the Carters, If the headers are efficient enough a custom metering rod a few % richer throughout the step range or possibly just the mid to high range steps should perform well.
The idle/low speed jet may need to be opened up slightly to help make the transition to the low speed step of the metering rod ( I would see how it does and work on the mid to high range steps of the metering rod first if needed)
Example; The standard idle/low speed jet orfice diameter on a 938SD carter is .028, Going to .029 will increase the area/fuel flow of the orfice about 7 to 8 percent.
Dont be afraid to give your stock carter a chance, Sorry for being long winded but I would hate to see a fellow jeeper spend allot of bucks to find out he had the solution in his hand all along.

 

Thanks Brian P. Where do you source these carb parts?

 

Sadly the parts I am referring to are not readily available, A Major Overhaul Kit from the "Carburator Shop" may contain new jets and rod. Thats where the patience part comes in if you are willing to make some of your own parts. The Metering Rod can easily be manufactured from brass rod stock and the Idle/Low Speed Jet can also be made but it is the more difficult of the two, The Low Speed Jet can usually be salvaged from a damaged or other donor carb as a first choice, Orfice size wont matter because it will be resized anyway,
Do not alter or modify your stock jets and rods, They will be needed for a baseline reference if custom tuning becomes necessary.
I say IF custom tuning becomes necessary because I doubt that you will have to make any changes, Even with headers I dont think you will need to alter the fuel mixture as set on the stock carb on the F-Head, If you do it wont be very much and likely just the mid to high range witch leaves us at the Metering Rod, The part that is easiest to make.
I say this because I dont think the F-Head intake and exhaust system as a whole will respond to the headers with dramatic volumetric results like some larger engines.
magillacuddy and a few others will know more about this aspect of engine performance than I would as they have the racing and high performance background and experience, I know that consideration should be given to the exhaust system as a whole. The Headers, Muffler and the diameter of the exhaust pipe itself all play a Part in the end result, That is why sometimes an exhaust pipe that is to large in diameter can hamper performance.
If I were to make a recommendation based on my limited experience it would be.......keep the stock carb and give it an honest try unmodified with the headers and dont use to large of an exhaust pipe, The stock diameter may work just fine with the headers.
If you find that the headers will allow a slightly richer mixture I will be more than happy to assist you with a custom rod.
Any members with more experience please feel free to correct or point out any oversights.

 

I am thinking of a short to medium length header with 1 1/2 primary tubes 2 inch head pipe to a single inlet dual outlet muffler with twin 2 inch outlets. I gotta have duals! I would like to keep the pipe size on the small side due to the small cubic inch and relatively low rpm. Too big of pipe and you give up too much low speed performance.

 

Duals are 8) , Sounds like your in the ballpark, Someone with more header experience may want to chime in with any insight regarding the 2" head pipe.
I hope the project turns out well for you, When you get it going with the headers drop me an e-mail and let me know how its performing, Between now and then when you have the top off the carb take note of the Main Jet Size, Idle/Low Speed Jet size and Metering Rod Number.
If possible it would be best to measure the Rod on the Low,Midrange and High Speed steps, or just the Low, middle of Taper and High Speed depending on the Rod configuration.
I am assuming this is a 938SD Carb.
Good luck with the project and I would be happy to assist you if the need for tuning presents itself, I have a strong suspicion that it will run fine without any tuning.

 

the big problem with the F head is the intake it stinks i have he solex and headers on my 59 bored .60 oversize and a carter and stock exaust manifold on my 65 with stock bore the sad truth is i cant tell any differance in performance they just dont breathe