The Ford Barn

rmak · 05-25-2011, 09:25 PM

I'm building a Model A four cylinder with some performance upgrades. The engine presently has a two barrel downdraft manifold with a Ford AAI carb that I rebuilt as best I could. I am having fits with the fuel system and I'm thinking about getting a new carb in the process of elimination.

Speedway sells reproduction Stromberg 97's for around $300. The HAMB guys don't think very highly of them, but I'd like a second opinion since the price is right.

Any reviews of this carb? Thanks!

Charlie ny · 05-25-2011, 10:02 PM

r,
There was a HUGE problem with leaky bowl plugs. Their fix was thick soft
gaskets and sealer. I lived it and it wasn't fun. Fortunately I have a small machine
shop and I was able to fixture each bowl and reface the gasket area square
with the threads. IMHO any savings on the original price was easily consumed
by the shop work required. I will say that after that fubar moment and a couple
other hoohas they ran good.
I did worry a bit about the plastic floats but so far so good.
Charlie ny

345 DeSoto · 05-26-2011, 05:46 AM

There's nothing like having to modify an expensive, brand new part, to get it to work properly...

ken ct · 05-26-2011, 09:03 AM

I agree with Charlie,i would go with a properly rebuilt original. There are a few good rebuilders on here pick one you wont go wrong.Charlie,ny,Uncle Max,Utah,52 Henry,and ken ct. All do good work and stand behind their work. ken ct.

8flat · 05-26-2011, 02:27 PM

Spend the extra money to get the real deal, either a rebuilt original or a real 97 from the guys in England. I'm running a new Stromberg, it think it was only about $80 more than Speedway's, and it's a work of art.

JM 35 Sedan · 05-26-2011, 04:57 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I would personally stay far away from those 9 Super 7's. I read all the tear down and performance reports on those carbs after they were introduced by Speedway. Lots and lots of problems were reported. I spoke to Speedy Bill in person last year at Hershey and he flat out denied there was ever any problems with his 9 Super 7's. Said they were selling like hot cakes and he could not keep them in stock. I would suggest going with a good original core and having it rebuilt by any of the guys mentioned here in an earlier post or I would go for a brand new English built 97. They are a beautiful piece of work. JMO

Krylon32 · 05-26-2011, 05:29 PM

I would use either quality rebuilt 97s or the new English 97s. I get my carbs and complete manifolds from Baxter Ford Parts in Lawrence Kansas. Not cheap but very high quality. Bob is the man to talk to.

OLD...BILL · 05-26-2011, 06:07 PM

Thats what this site is all about, GOOD INFORMATION, and where to get it, fixed or otherwise ..... OLD...BILL

alchemy · 05-27-2011, 01:49 PM

Uncle Max will do your original Stromberg right.

sp1ke · 05-28-2011, 05:09 PM

Get in touch with Uncle Max here on the Barn and he will take care of you.

sp1ke

05-25-2011, 09:25 PM	#1
rmak Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 114	Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? I'm building a Model A four cylinder with some performance upgrades. The engine presently has a two barrel downdraft manifold with a Ford AAI carb that I rebuilt as best I could. I am having fits with the fuel system and I'm thinking about getting a new carb in the process of elimination. Speedway sells reproduction Stromberg 97's for around $300. The HAMB guys don't think very highly of them, but I'd like a second opinion since the price is right. Any reviews of this carb? Thanks!

05-25-2011, 10:02 PM	#2
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? r, There was a HUGE problem with leaky bowl plugs. Their fix was thick soft gaskets and sealer. I lived it and it wasn't fun. Fortunately I have a small machine shop and I was able to fixture each bowl and reface the gasket area square with the threads. IMHO any savings on the original price was easily consumed by the shop work required. I will say that after that fubar moment and a couple other hoohas they ran good. I did worry a bit about the plastic floats but so far so good. Charlie ny

05-26-2011, 05:46 AM	#3
345 DeSoto Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Skaneateles,NY(summer)/Port St.Lucie,FL(winter Posts: 126	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? There's nothing like having to modify an expensive, brand new part, to get it to work properly... __________________ ..."If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits eighty-eight miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit"...

05-26-2011, 09:03 AM	#4
ken ct BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: stratford,ct Posts: 5,971	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? I agree with Charlie,i would go with a properly rebuilt original. There are a few good rebuilders on here pick one you wont go wrong.Charlie,ny,Uncle Max,Utah,52 Henry,and ken ct. All do good work and stand behind their work. ken ct.

05-26-2011, 02:27 PM	#5
8flat Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? Spend the extra money to get the real deal, either a rebuilt original or a real 97 from the guys in England. I'm running a new Stromberg, it think it was only about $80 more than Speedway's, and it's a work of art.

05-26-2011, 04:57 PM	#6
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I would personally stay far away from those 9 Super 7's. I read all the tear down and performance reports on those carbs after they were introduced by Speedway. Lots and lots of problems were reported. I spoke to Speedy Bill in person last year at Hershey and he flat out denied there was ever any problems with his 9 Super 7's. Said they were selling like hot cakes and he could not keep them in stock. I would suggest going with a good original core and having it rebuilt by any of the guys mentioned here in an earlier post or I would go for a brand new English built 97. They are a beautiful piece of work. JMO __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

05-26-2011, 05:29 PM	#7
Krylon32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,484	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? I would use either quality rebuilt 97s or the new English 97s. I get my carbs and complete manifolds from Baxter Ford Parts in Lawrence Kansas. Not cheap but very high quality. Bob is the man to talk to.

05-26-2011, 06:07 PM	#8
OLD...BILL Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northern California,coast Posts: 552	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? Thats what this site is all about, GOOD INFORMATION, and where to get it, fixed or otherwise ..... OLD...BILL

05-27-2011, 01:49 PM	#9
alchemy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: middle of Iowa Posts: 647	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? Uncle Max will do your original Stromberg right.

05-28-2011, 05:09 PM	#10
sp1ke Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Port Charlotte,Florida Posts: 68	Re: Any of you flathead guys running the Speedway repro 97? Get in touch with Uncle Max here on the Barn and he will take care of you. sp1ke __________________ SW-FLORIDA