81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Hi Guys:

I have a nicely built 276 Flathead and I am deciding on the fuel system. I have 2 very nice 81’s and I thought acquiring 1 more and running a 3x2 setup might be a consideration. Or, should I stick to 2 97’s on a dual carb manifold (I would have to purchase a couple of 97’s.??

Any input?

Thanks!!
Dave

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Personally, I think three 81's would be a very good, all around setup. Especially with a mild cam.

Could give better gas mileage, too if you an keep your foot out of it :) But, I love the sound of a over carburated engine, winding up!!!

Frank

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Might read JWLs book, he list dyno runs on several setup.

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

It's hard to beat the throttle response of three 81's on a rascally flathead!

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

I am running 2 81s on an old Eddie Meyer manifold and am quite happy with them. I'm sure you could get 3 to run very well.

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Thank you guys! I really wanted to use the 81’s- I really appreciate the input.

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Yes, the 81's should give better "street" response. Might be alittle shy at the top end. Depends allot on the cam. 1007B would be nice/

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

I had Pete grind me 1007b, which is in the motor- I felt like it would lend itself well also, thank you Ron

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

I prefer 2 carbs . 3 carbs can be difficult to tune and will take some tinkering to make work right.
You probably would only use 2 anyway most of the time with a progressive linkage.
But...the 3 carbs look really cool.

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

I have an original Navarro 3 carb manifold that I thinking of parting with. Been told that it was way good

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

3 Stromberg 81s @ a KiWi-L100 & you can’t go wrong!!! So many know this but won’t admit ��
Enjoy
Cheers
Tony

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

[QUOTE=uncle max;1794012]It's hard to beat the throttle response of three 81's on a rascally flathead!

Uncle Max, can you educate me ? Is the 81 a smaller carb (airflow wise) than 48's and 97's ? Also what years and on what engine were the 81's used ?
Thanks for any info.


Sal

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

81's were the 60 hp carb

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

eye candy appeal you cant beat a tri power just dont over carb but its up to you and what ever makes your bell ring [but ring it long and loud]

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Thank you, Sal

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

For a "driver" the better combination is a center 81 with two ends of 97 or 48 with progressive linkage. However, the setup time and expertise should not be ignored.

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Thanks JWL, that makes sense given the increased volume provided by the secondary carbs- good throttle response low, and volume up high.

Thanks Again

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Take whatever time needed on the bench to get the progressive linkage set up perfectly, so that both end carbs are precisely and fully closed at idle, with the idle adjustment screws backed completely off. Do that with the carb tops off of the carb base so that you can easily see the throttle plates. If the throttle plates are not perfectly centered or stick a little, fix them. Completely close the idle jet adjustments on both end carbs so that idle adjustment is all on the center carb. Don't go cheap on the progressive linkage as the cheap stuff tends to flex and adjustments slip. One of the end carbs pulls or pushes the other end carb; you can take the accelerator pump spring off of (or simply unhook) that carb to lessen the strain on the linkage.

I put 2" risers on my tri-power, which enabled me to invert the progressive linkage. That way I could use banjo fittings for plumbing fuel lines to the carbs, and I could retain the manual throttle control on the center carb. Took just a little grinding on one end riser and the underside of the fuel pump to get clearance for the linkage.

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Looks good, thanks for the reply

Re: 81’s tri power or dual 97’s
 

Now Tony - relax a bit . . . you don't have the only cam that can't go wrong! Also, I've done many bad things - and remember only a few! LOL

Cheers Dude!
B&S