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-   -   Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2 (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92961)

JSRTUDOR 12-27-2012 09:39 PM

Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Hi everyone, how were your holidays? I was wondering what the difference was between the Zenith 1 and the Zenith 2 carbs? Which is better for a driver that is, well lets say a little tired? I currently have a leaky Tilly on it now and was wondering if a Zenith is a better carb to install. Should a rebuilt 1 cost more or less than a 2? Who is a reputable seller of Zenith carbs? Thanks in advance, I know I packed a lot in this post! Scott

jmeckel 12-27-2012 10:13 PM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

In my opinion there is no difference between a Zenith 1 or 2, the bigger question is how well were they rebuilt. I have rebuilt a few and it takes time to do it right, many just blow them out with compressed air, put on a new gasket and spray with paint and call it “rebuilt”. The throttle shaft needs to be tight in the upper case (meaning no slop from wear), all the passages need to be cleaned and open, needle seats and needle valves need to be in good condition, no wear rings. The jets need to be proper sized, float level set right, good quality float valve installed. The Zenith 2’s were made by Holly, so if you purchase one of those you can say you have an Holly on your A, will not work any better than any other Zenith just bragging rights!! A good Zenith works great, others may work well also, but Zenith are the original.

modela-carb 12-28-2012 07:06 AM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

There's no difference between the Z1 (Zenith) & the Z2 (Holley) except the marking. Ford used both Holley & Zenith to supply his carbs and had them marked differently so they knew who built it. Jon's right about rebuild qualities. Short cuts lead to short trips.

lindy williams 12-28-2012 07:34 AM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

I agree with everything said by the previous responders and I would add that there is no substitute for flow testing the jets to get them flowing correctly.
Drill size measurement is not close enough.

Hook 12-28-2012 09:15 AM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Scott,

I sent my Zenith 1 to Jim Adams a few months ago. It wasn't rebuildable, so he sold me a Zenith 2. I didn't care which one I got and left it up to him. Now I have a Holly on my A. :)

Jim is a great guy to work with and I would highly recommend using him. He's had lots of complements on this forum.

Hook

stainless steve 12-28-2012 09:41 AM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Jim Adams : I have a Zenith in a bunch of parts I got with my 29 Sport coupe project
but the words Zenith are running downwards on the floatbowl rather than sideways
everything else is exactly the same on both carbs as far as I can remeber; which isnt very far :is this some thing you have seen before? thanks

JSRTUDOR 12-28-2012 09:53 AM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Thanks for all the replys, you were all very helpful, happy motoring!

modela-carb 12-28-2012 10:53 AM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Steve,
The Model B carbs have Zenith running vertical rather than sideways. The Model B is visually different than the Model A..square bowl rather than rounded and a "chunkier" appearance, but it will work fine on the A if in good condition or rebuilt

stainless steve 12-28-2012 12:49 PM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Jim
Thank you on the info;Im a newby here and to stock model As
been building and painting for many years though
This A was purchased to be rodded until I went and picked it up ;To damn nice and complete to hotrod with buckets and buckets of parts and while sorting I remembered that carb and hadnt heard or seen of it I was interested in its fitment
so anyway restoring rather than rodding and making connections for future needs
steve

fredski 12-28-2012 01:14 PM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by modela-carb (Post 560768)
Steve,
The Model B carbs have Zenith running vertical rather than sideways. The Model B is visually different than the Model A..square bowl rather than rounded and a "chunkier" appearance, but it will work fine on the A if in good condition or rebuilt

can you clarify is a model B ZENITH a zenith 2?

this is presently on my 30 ts having a round bowl.

fredski

modela-carb 12-28-2012 04:13 PM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

Fredski
All of the Model A carbs have rounded bowls and, if marked Zenith 1 or Zenith 2 will have the marking running horizontally. The Model B's (begun in 1932) are not Zenith 2's. the "Zenith" will run vertically. Sounds like you have a stock Model A carb

gweilbaker 12-28-2012 07:10 PM

Re: Zenith 1 vs. Zenith 2
 

No matter how well it is rebuilt it has to be adjusted per application and that application has to be at tip top condition.


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