question on zenith 2

[ronn]

On ebay there is a rebuildable z 2 carb needing a rebuild currently at 232. and still bidding up

there is the same carb for 150. buy it now. nobody is buying it.

why?

in order of preference, is a 2 or 3 more valuable then a 1 or?

just curious.......

[Jim/GA]

The number codes just indicate who manufactured it. Unless you are looking for a very specific carb with features that are correct for your specific date range (for FP judging), they are all about the same and are not worth more or less than others. They were all made to the same basic performance blueprints.

The jets that you put in them and how you set up the carb will impact performance a lot more than what number is stamped on the side.

[katy]

Originally Posted by Jim/GA

The number codes just indicate who manufactured it.

That's interesting to know, thanks for the info.

[figment]

If it is a side bowl Zenith then is usually sells for more than the more common ones .

[ronn]

thank you Jim and figment-I was expecting that the 2s and 3s were improved upon and therefore better.

always learning here at the Barn........

[Brentwood Bob]

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Early 1928 double Venturi is unique, and the zenith 3 is a rare bird. I try to match the cores to the judging standards, so I don't mix zenith and Holley.

[ronn]

when were zenith 3s used Bob?

Im guessing only in 31?

[Brentwood Bob]

Don't know for sure, suspect late 31, I think I had a very thin side bowl top that was probably a Z3. I will see what the JS says. I haven't run across a known complete Z3.

[Sunny the Model A]

There are Zeniths of all three numbers throughout most of the production of the model a. Zenith-1 is made in the Zenith factory, Zenith-2 is a Holley made carb made to zenith specs, all parts interchange. and Zenith-3 is a Ford made carb, same story as the Zenith-2. I have two examples of late '31 Zenith-2 Side bowl carbs and they were made in the Holley factory. Some early Zeniths had no number at all, just said Zenith on the side. For a brief period in 1930 they ground off the numbers due to a squabble between the different factories, so some of em have a grind mark where the number is ground off.

[ronn]

thx for the history Sunny

[Waorani]

The one on ebay currently at $232 is a side bowl.

[Gary WA]

The Zenith 3 model was late 30, and weighed in at 3 1/2 lbs,almost a full pound less then other zeniths 1-2. There was triangular reinforcement gussets added to the manifold flange. Rare ones. Thinner castings.

[ronn]

thx again for all of the info.

Gary, are you going in business? lol

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by ronn

thx again for all of the info.

Gary, are you going in business? lol

no, need spares?!!!

[Steve Schmauch]

The complete history and evolution of all changes and dates of usage for Ford, Zenith, and Holley carburetors are documented in MAFCA's "The Restorer" magazines. See the issues printed in 2017 for Ford and Zenith, and the issues from Nov-Dec 2022 through May-June 2023 for Holley.

[Benson]

Originally Posted by Steve Schmauch

The complete history and evolution of all changes and dates of usage for Ford, Zenith, and Holley carburetors are documented in MAFCA's "The Restorer" magazines. See the issues printed in 2017 for Ford and Zenith, and the issues from Nov-Dec 2022 through May-June 2023 for Holley.

Steve, thanks for all of your work on the Series of good info on Zenith carbs.


After 60 years I learned a lot!

[brito36]

Compare the location of the fuel inlet on both carburetors. The one for $232. appears to be a later '31 style, and the cheaper one is the earlier style.

[ronn]

Gary, if you built those carbs yourself, they look terrific!

[David R.]

My truck has a Zenith 2. Holley is cast on inside of the bowl.

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by ronn

Gary, if you built those carbs yourself, they look terrific!

Thanks been doing them for many years. Fun to do!