Assuming this to be a street car (if it were a race car this conversation
wouldn't be taking place), go with the 32/36 Weber on the SIII manifold. It's
a very simple, easy carburetor to tune, jets are readily available (Dave Bean
Engineering is my source for jets for my Lotus 61), and the car will 'stay in
tune' literally forever with that setup.
If it's absolute originality you strive for, I know of a set of perfect
Zenith's and manifold: on my series 1 Alpine race car I sold to Andy Walker.
All you would have to do is buy Andy a set of dual throat Webers and manifolds
to replace his Zenith's.
Good luck.... and,...... stay away from the Solex's.
Carl McLelland
Subject: Re: FW: carbs for 1960 Alpine
In a message dated 15/07/2004 14:39:10 GMT Daylight Time,
tjhiggin@mail.hiwaay.net writes:
> greenwald@vcn.com
Greg,
You'll be lucky to find a working Solex unit, as they often had problems,
particularly with the second, progressive, throttle barrel mechaism.
Also, In my opinion, the Weber 32/36 is a superior product.
The Weber and Solex carbs are both progressive, downdraught units, and use
the same manifold. I'm not sure of the range of Series that came with the
Solex
carb and manifold, but my SIII certainly had it from new.
So....If you locate a SIII manifold, plus a Weber32/36.
The Weber's are easier to find, as they were used on a range of Fiat's etc.
You'll then need to get it jetted to suit the Alpine engine, which will
probably be a 1500cc unit in your car.
Your other alternative would be to obtain a set of side-draft Strombergs,
plus manifold. These should be easiest to come by as they were fitted to the
later series V. Again, you would need to get jets/needles to suit.
Depending on which option you take, you may also need to replace the
manifold
studs to the head.
Good luck, and hope I've not further confused you.
Julian (SIII with 1725 and Weber 32/36)
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