Worst: 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne 235 CID 6 cylinder. Bought used with 7,000 miles. No power, 12.3 MPG highway. After a few years of working on carbs, I now know the mileage was due to the Rochester B carb with the power valve stuck on. But that should have helped the power.
Best: 1979 Ford Econoline 300 CID 6 cylinder. Bought used at 80,000 miles. At 81,000 replaced the 3 on the tree with a 4-speed (and clutch and pressure plate just as insurance), replaced the Holley single barrel with a Carter AFB. Mileage prior to change 12 MPG highway. Mileage after change 22 MPG highway. Excellent power (often pulled 16 foot trailer with John Deere 2010 w/front end loader, this dropped mileage to about 19 MPG). Daily driver, winter salt and cinders rusted the underside. Fixed the rust twice, the third time gave up..................at 460,000 miles! Maintenance: 2 batteries, and 13 electronic ignitions! No other maintenance other than normal plugs, radiator hoses, oil, filters, etc. Cylinder head was never removed from the block. But I did carry TWO electronic ignition modules in the glove box.
Favorite: (know you didn't ask, but maybe should be part of the thread).....off-topic 1968 Datsun roadster, imported through Canada, could not be sold new in USA. Quickest and fastest car I ever owned, until my "slightly " modified 74 GTO was finished.
Jon
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"Good carburetion is fuelish hot air".
"The most expensive carburetor is the wrong one given to you by your neighbor".
If you truly believe that "one size fits all" try walking a mile in your spouse's shoes!
Owner of The Carburetor Shop, LLC (of Missouri).
Current caretaker of the remains of Stromberg Caburetor, and custodian of the existing Carter and Kingston carburetor drawings.
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