Single Carb or Dual Quads which is better?

[olddog]

I have read that in a Cobra, the 2x4 actually produces more hp. Not because of the carbs, but because you can get more air through two filters than one filter. Again this only applies to the Cobra due to under the hood space limitations.

Engine sitting on a dyno inside a big room, what has been said is true. After you stuff it into a cobra and fit an air cleaner that will allow the hood to close, it may be a hole different story.

One of the manufactures web site has a big discussion on air filters and explains all this. Might be ERA, not sure. Do some searches on this site for air filter and you should find a link to what I'm remembering. Good luck.

[FWB]

if you compare the factory style intake (dual plane) with vacuum secondary
carbs the dual quad makes more power, this is dyno proven and confirmed by
time slips on the track dating back into my racing log since 1979. the dual quads being sold as factory reproductions (holleys) suck to say the least
they are poor quality castings that require constant fiddling. the distance
between the two carbs on the factory\ blue thunder intake make outfitting
other style carbs quite the project because of the secondary side of the
fuel circuit. if given the choice i would take the less hp single carb, because
the majority of use will be street and the extra couple tenths gained on the track isnt worth the hassle of regasketing the carbs and cleaning the needle and seat because of crappy gas that we all know and love, get the eldeb. single
4bbl dual plane and put a barry grant carb on it and bypass the leak down
and casting flashing problems associated with the holleys....

just my two cents

Fred

[wtm442]

Less problems with a single carb as compared with duals. As CobraBill said, go for the duals only for the WOW factor when you open the hood.

If you want more power, go with fuel injection or add nitrous to the single carb.

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by wtm442

Less problems with a single carb as compared with duals. As CobraBill said, go for the duals only for the WOW factor when you open the hood.

If you want more power, go with fuel injection or add nitrous to the single carb.

THe WOW factor doesn't hurt either.

[Silverback51]

Either way you will have more HP than you can use under most conditions.

I have duals on mine and love the look and performance. The mechanical secondarys will take a little getting used to however. It does not take much throttle in first and second gear to light the tires up. The switch to Goodyear BillBoards helped with the traction problems considerably. I can now flat foot it in 3rd gear, which I could not do before.

My vote is for the dual 4's.

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by olddog

I have read that in a Cobra, the 2x4 actually produces more hp. Not because of the carbs, but because you can get more air through two filters than one filter. Again this only applies to the Cobra due to under the hood space limitations.

On original cars, I believe the 2x4 air cleaners were actually each smaller than the single 1x4 cleaner. Together they may still have had more surface area, but it was not two 1x4 air cleaners.

[Naumoff]

Sal, Your rear view mirrors in the wrong place.

I have seen pictures of vintage full comp cars without the turkey pan.
I think a lot of mechanics threw them away. They look like a royal PIA.
I am collecting parts to do a full comp car and I think I will not get a turkey pan just because I have seen original ones without them. But to each there own.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

I think a lot of mechanics through them away. They look like a royal PIA.

They are... unless you have the foresight to have them fabricated to be easily removable.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

They are... unless you have the foresight to have them fabricated to be easily removable.

Excellent! How or who did that for you?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Excellent! How or who did that for you?

That was handcrafted by Bob Putnam at ERA using an English wheel, ball peen hammer, meticulous measuring and hours upon hours of labor. Here are two shots of it. You'll note that the english "Terry Body Springs" are safety wired even though they never seem to vibrate loose.

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That was handcrafted by Bob Putnam at ERA using an English wheel, ball peen hammer, meticulous measuring and hours upon hours of labor. Here are two shots of it. You'll note that the english "Terry Body Springs" are safety wired even though they never seem to vibrate loose.

A good Ideal to make it removable.
Are you telling us he made the whole thing from scratch? A lot of work though.

I would have modified a turkey pan and then made a separate base plate.

Two fours: vacuum secondaries
single four: mechanical secondaries


Sal, Did it come that way?
I would just move it over and put a button head screw in the exposed holes.
Worry about fixing the body later. better the mirror is in the correct position.

Hell I am just full of all kinds of advice today.

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

Sal, Your rear view mirrors in the wrong place.

I know . But that's not easily changed. And at least it's the RIGHT mirror