The Ford Barn

lance leblanc · 02-04-2013, 02:35 PM

I'm sure that this has been discussed here before but a quick thread search didn't turn up much as to which, if either is the better carburetor or at least the more preferred and why.
Seems to me that Zenith has the advantage for parts and availablity. But is there any performance or reliablity differences?
I just had my Tillotson rebuilt and would like to aquire a backup carburetor' but would like the opinon of fellow Ford Barners before buying.

Kevin in NJ · 02-04-2013, 03:02 PM

A properly rebuilt with original jets Zenith should last your life time, let you run over 60 MPH and get over 20 MPG in the process.

No pot metal to warp, one bolt drops the bowl to check for dirt- it is designed to run with some dirt. With the factory filters working properly you are not likely to find dirt in the bowl either- at least my very dirty tank in a 30 fordor never had dirt in the carb.

From what I can tell by comments on the boards there is not really any performance boost for the added hassles.

Keep in mind the new fuel mixes are more likely to leave residues behind that will require you to clean the jets once in a while. Do you want to undo a bunch of screws or one bolt?

Mike V. Florida · 02-04-2013, 03:17 PM

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8588

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48160

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18299

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3777

lance leblanc · 02-04-2013, 03:32 PM

Thanks Mike
I guess I needed to go farther back.

Herb Concord Ca · 02-04-2013, 04:19 PM

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Both carbs have their advantages and disadvantages.
I perfer the Tillotson, I have one on my pickup for over 15 years. Also have a Tillotson on my Slant town sedan since it went on the road in 2010.
To me 2 jets beats 4 jets any day of the week! If you go with a Zenith make sure to have for jets flow tested.

02-04-2013, 02:35 PM	#1
lance leblanc Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Baton Rouge LA Posts: 238	Zenith vs. Tillotson I'm sure that this has been discussed here before but a quick thread search didn't turn up much as to which, if either is the better carburetor or at least the more preferred and why. Seems to me that Zenith has the advantage for parts and availablity. But is there any performance or reliablity differences? I just had my Tillotson rebuilt and would like to aquire a backup carburetor' but would like the opinon of fellow Ford Barners before buying.

02-04-2013, 03:02 PM	#2
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Zenith vs. Tillotson A properly rebuilt with original jets Zenith should last your life time, let you run over 60 MPH and get over 20 MPG in the process. No pot metal to warp, one bolt drops the bowl to check for dirt- it is designed to run with some dirt. With the factory filters working properly you are not likely to find dirt in the bowl either- at least my very dirty tank in a 30 fordor never had dirt in the carb. From what I can tell by comments on the boards there is not really any performance boost for the added hassles. Keep in mind the new fuel mixes are more likely to leave residues behind that will require you to clean the jets once in a while. Do you want to undo a bunch of screws or one bolt?

02-04-2013, 03:17 PM	#3
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Zenith vs. Tillotson https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8588 https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48160 https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18299 https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3777 __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

02-04-2013, 03:32 PM	#4
lance leblanc Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Baton Rouge LA Posts: 238	Re: Zenith vs. Tillotson Thanks Mike I guess I needed to go farther back.

02-04-2013, 04:19 PM	#5
Herb Concord Ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Concord CA Posts: 755	Re: Zenith vs. Tillotson Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Both carbs have their advantages and disadvantages. I perfer the Tillotson, I have one on my pickup for over 15 years. Also have a Tillotson on my Slant town sedan since it went on the road in 2010. To me 2 jets beats 4 jets any day of the week! If you go with a Zenith make sure to have for jets flow tested.