Re: Hey 4 bbl Carb experts.

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2014/6/18 17:25:27

Dual sourcing (Delco, Autolite, Carter, Rochester) was important for the independents because they didn't have a lot of purchasing leverage on suppliers. During 1956 Packard did once have to switch generators due to supply issues so their purchasing strategy was important in that instance. Their dual-sourcing on ignition dates at least to the early 30s (Twelves were Autolite, Eights were Northeast) and probably goes back even earlier. Delco came into the picture, primarily replacing Northeast, more or less with the introduction of the 1935 cars.

WRT carburetors they were dual-sourcing for decades, early on Packard made their own, later with Johnsons and Detroit Lubricators, later with Stromberg for the Seniors and the juniors using Carter and for a short time Chandler Groves. The Chandler Groves were a poor design and many were deservedly trashed early on, the Strombergs were superb units.

I'm not a carburetor expert but I'd say both the WCFB and 4GC were reliable quality carburetors of good design. I've heard quite a few folks say the castings on the Carters were of a better alloy and more robust, and that the Carters are easier to tweak if you really want to do some custom tuning. I've had both, never really gave much thought to it, they both did what they were intended to do without problems.