Carb Queries

Hi all

Currently have a Weber fitted to my 2.25 petrol S3. Happy enough with it but could do with a little more oompf between 40-50mph and not the best at a cold start. Having read up on the differences between a Weber and a Zenith, I’m currently in the process of attempting my first rebuild of a zenith 361V. At least then I’ve got options for both carb setups.

Enjoying it so far which is half the battle. No slop on the throttle spindle which is good news but have had to purchase a NOS emulsion block due to a stuck jet that I could not get out even with an extractor and penetrating oil. The brass just kept snapping off.

Providing my rebuild goes well, what steps will I have to do when I swap the carbs over? Will the timing need changing or should tweaking the carb itself do the trick?

All insights appreciated and any pointers from previous experiences will be taken on board.

Thanks as ever gang.

AK

How much oomph do you want? I can't see there much power left at 50

To be fair my series 3 will get to 65 ish albeit on the loud side by that point . It’s more trying to combat the backwards feeling on some hills and also the cold starting issues. Might not be any better but the weight of opinion seems to be that a well tuned zenith is the better carb? I’m not fussed on fuel economy tbh as only a weekend warrior and not a daily driver for me

ANK84 said:

To be fair my series 3 will get to 65 ish albeit on the loud side by that point . It’s more trying to combat the backwards feeling on some hills and also the cold starting issues. Might not be any better but the weight of opinion seems to be that a well tuned zenith is the better carb? I’m not fussed on fuel economy tbh as only a weekend warrior and not a daily driver for me

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Just make sure you are getting full throttle travel on the old carb before swapping over.

I've never seen a Weber fitted landrover series cold start as well as a zenith styled one. Better power with Weber though. They always run out of torque over 45 mph when a hill is hit. Just my opinion

My experience with a Weber was slightly improved fuel consumption but with a reduced top speed. On examination, the Weber's butterfly diameter was noticeably smaller that an original Zenith or earlier Solex. I can't remember the difference in mm as it was years ago. That explains the loss of speed which was very noticeable, which is critical when holding up a queue of traffic behind me.