Single bbl Solex

[jwcurry]

So, I just purchased an agave 72 car. It's the first non-parts car I've ever had that still has the original single bbl Solex.

This car actually runs well, really well. It's a total driver and I'm shocked, amazed and astonished at how well a single bbl Solex performs.

The car actually starts easier, even when bone cold & wet, than any Weber I've ever had. However, I think that has to do with the hotter coil that's on this car. Man, that's a good upgrade.

But, the car gets nice mileage and is very responsive in the lower part of the power band. Now, the Solex does poop out when in 4th & 5th and you try to get on it. There's not much response like a Weber. However, from a dead stop that carb gives you almost all the pwer you'd want.

There's an older mechanic in the Portland area, Mike O'Hara, that swears by Solex'es and is dismissive of Webers. I've always thought he was too fixated on maintaining a stock set-up and was just too "old-school". However, I think he's got a point.

These 1bbl Solex's when well sorted just flat-out work well. Surprised the heck out of me. Course, I do have a 32/36 on my 75 "soon-to-be" parts-car and a 38/38 on my eventualy "to-be-restored" 70. Heh......

I guess my point is to seriously give this little carb a try before jumping to upgrade. You might be statisfied with what you have.

Jerry

[73touring]

Im Still on the Single Barrel and find it has plenty of low down grunt but does seem to die above 4.5k rpm. Im changing over however to a 38/38 as I could never get it set up right and in get intermitent hot starting problems. I have electronic ignittion so have done this upgrade already. (By the way what coil is in your new 02?)

[Timmer]

I'm still on the single barrel Solex with my 1969 2000, has to be the smoothest engine of the 8 2002's, '73tii, and 3 NK's I've had. The motor was rebuilt to specs about 3k ago and the Solex gone through as well. I carry a basic rebuild kit as well but the car runs excellent. I've had the single barrel Solex on a few 2002's; a 1970, and 2 1971's and all of the square tail 2002's I've owned had the Weber swap done prior to me owning the cars, each had the 32/36. I'd say stay with the Solex, mileage is good and they are great carburettors.

Tim

'69 2000

[ponyboy]

My car had the single weber on it(yuk), and John Cappoccia gave me his solex single. I rebuilt it, slapped it on, wow!!!! starts and works like Germany meant it too

He and I have 1970 02's , so the carb was time correct completely

Im trying to get the manual choke set right and also for it to always idle at 8 instead of higgher without a fast gasing at stops... It should be easy, I just havent bothered with it yet...

But man, I used to have a 1969 1600 with a weber 32/36 water choke...

Ill keep the solex!!!

Much Love, Pony Boy

[Beaner7102]

The Solex 1bl is a 40mm carb, the Weber 32/36 is a 32mm carb (until the secondaries open). Thats why the Solex is great until 4k rpm, when it runs out of puff. For economy and low down performance you can beat the Solex (until Weber make a 40/40 progressive that is). Beaner7102

[_z_]

It surprised the hell out of me too

I had only driven a 74 tii till this summer when I got the bone stock 70 w/solex

that little car flat out ran!!!

Now when passing it didn't have the punch above 4k (like you say beaner).. say going from 50mph to 90 the tii just screams.. while the ol 70 w/solex kinda lumped a bit in comparison -- to be expected !! but still

I too was pretty impressed with the general drivability and acceleration of the solex bone stock setup...