Down Draft 38/38 Vs 40's Side Draft

[bmwownerzrok]

When I did my restoration I had dual 40's solex side draft carbs. They were shot. I swapped out to a 38/38 down draft webber.I hogged out my intake and my car runs strong and easy to manage. However, I am wondering at this point if I should have went with the webber 40's side drafts. I am running 284 cam stahl header, straight pipe and  ti pistons. Too many other little things to mention. I seem to always get mixed responses. Some say with my set up I am good and side drafts is unnecessary. While others say I am losing out on top end. The one thing I do know is I don't want to sit and tinker with carbs ALL the time. I am wondering once dialed in how much up keep is required for a garaged car. Also if someone went from a 38/38 to 40's side draft and noticed a significant change to warrant to investment.  

Edited March 10, 2014 by bmwownerzrok

[73touring]

Good question. Id be keen to see the responces.

[roadhog0]

From the information I've gathered, the 40's are more for the cool factor. Especially with something like a 284, that's not a big cam. Id say you're better off with a well tuned 38. Yah, you'll lose out on maybe a HP or two on top end, but for me reliability is more important. I know on my car I will be running a 300 cam, 9.5:1, and a 38. So thats my opinion on the subject.

[bmwownerzrok]

From the information I've gathered, the 40's are more for the cool factor. Especially with something like a 284, that's not a big cam. Id say you're better off with a well tuned 38. Yah, you'll lose out on maybe a HP or two on top end, but for me reliability is more important. I know on my car I will be running a 300 cam, 9.5:1, and a 38. So thats my opinion on the subject.

Thanks for the input. All I remember is I met a guy out here with side drafts and pretty much the same set up and it seemed his car was faster. Could have just sounded faster with the woosh...

[roadhog0]

That noise does add 50 Hp   Great sound!!

Edited March 12, 2014 by roadhog0

[ttown]

I have the 38 and I would say its pretty good for a stock motor (like mine)  On the other hand if you want a better sound and more fun then build a motor and go with 45's .. that's my plan in the future.  For me for now the 38 is working out well.

[roundiezzz]

i went with the 38, seems like the side drafts can be a pain, but def cool sound!

[bmwownerzrok]

Seems like 38,s tuned right is the way to go. I think I'll keep my set up. Thanks for all the great input.

[Chamonix72]

Keep in mind that side drafts take a little more babying when cold, but the trade off is the intake sound and the upper end. The 38 is more forgiving when cold due to the electric choke, but you trade some low end grunt for the top end. 

[lilcphoto]

I will add that I have yet to find someone whom reacts positively to the idea of helping me tune my DCOE's, and I haven't even installed them on the car!

 

Every shop ive talked to just says to go with the 38/38. Since I already have the DCOE's I won't be doing that, but it does seem a bit odd that nobody is interested in taking my money to tune them. Onto the books for me

[roundiezzz]

i know a guy who might tune them for you.

[Chamonix72]

I know a guy who will tune them too. You'd have to drive to Seattle, but it would be worth it.

[roadhog0]

I'll second and third the above mentioned guy. Very worth the drive to Seattle to have it tuned!

[lilcphoto]

I'm going to start a new topic, but it doesn't really help to install them on the car not really running, and try and drive all the way up to Seattle in order to get them tuned properly.