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Old 06-21-2021, 09:23 AM   #1
kursed30
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Default New Carb

If I need to replace my carb, would you go with a Zenith or Tillotson?
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Old 06-21-2021, 09:34 AM   #2
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Default Re: New Carb

Marvel carbs tend to be more trouble-free, if you're not concerned about strict period accuracy (the Marvels were introduced in '46).
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Old 06-21-2021, 10:03 AM   #3
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Default Re: New Carb

I've tried a number of different carbs, including rebuilt Zeniths, and found the Marvel-Schebler, aka Allstate, Marvel and other names, worked best for me.
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Old 06-21-2021, 10:09 AM   #4
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Default Re: New Carb

The question was Zenith or Tillotson..... Zenith for me ; the Tillotson can be smoother acceleration but more tricky to fix if warped/corroded
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Old 06-21-2021, 10:29 AM   #5
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Default Re: New Carb

For a real boost in performance a two barrel Weber downdraft is a good choice, along with the aluminum intake manifold that comes with it.
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Old 06-21-2021, 10:35 AM   #6
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Default Re: New Carb

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My A runs smoother on a Tilly.
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Old 06-21-2021, 11:02 AM   #7
Dick M
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Default Re: New Carb

I run and like the Marvel carb. My Zenith has become my under the seat backup carb. The Marvel is completely rebuilt and cost $200 with free shipping.

Here is where to get one:

MARVEL SCHEMBLER CARBERATOR
JR BULLOCK
976 COUNTRY ROAD 2310
TEXARKANA, TX 75503
903-748-8299
[email protected]
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Old 06-21-2021, 11:19 AM   #8
Bob Johnson
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Default Re: New Carb

I think it is hard for most people to say which is better. They can tell you which one works better for them. However you do not know what they are comparing. Are they comparing carburetors that are like new? Are they comparing one that is new (or correctly restored) with an old one that is worn? I would recommend that you use a carburetor that is properly setup.



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Old 06-21-2021, 11:23 AM   #9
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Default Re: New Carb

You can have your pick of rebuilt Zenith, Tillotsen or Marvel at Jim's Carbs https://jmacarbs.com

I would not reccommend a NEW carb (which the heading states) from the vendors tho. I have had some issues with them.

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 06-21-2021 at 11:37 AM.
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Old 06-21-2021, 11:26 AM   #10
alexiskai
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Default Re: New Carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by johnbuckley View Post
The question was Zenith or Tillotson
Yeah, but the OP is new and I figure he's looking at a catalog and thinking those are his only options.
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Old 06-21-2021, 12:13 PM   #11
Rob Doe
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Default Re: New Carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick M View Post
I run and like the Marvel carb. My Zenith has become my under the seat backup carb. The Marvel is completely rebuilt and cost $200 with free shipping.

Here is where to get one:

MARVEL SCHEMBLER CARBERATOR
JR BULLOCK
976 COUNTRY ROAD 2310
TEXARKANA, TX 75503
903-748-8299
[email protected]

Dick, does the Marvel mate with the throttle, choke, and GAV without customization?
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Old 06-21-2021, 12:18 PM   #12
johnbuckley
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Default Re: New Carb

Originally Posted by johnbuckley ...The question was Zenith or Tillotson
Quote:
Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
Yeah, but the OP is new and I figure he's looking at a catalog and thinking those are his only options.
Sorry, Couldn't help pointing that out ....a throw back from my formative years when teacher told us to always " Answer the question , not answer what you think the question ought to be "
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Old 06-21-2021, 12:43 PM   #13
alexiskai
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Default Re: New Carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Doe View Post
Dick, does the Marvel mate with the throttle, choke, and GAV without customization?
If you get it from Jim Bullock, it does. Fuel line too. Five stars for jmacarbs.com.
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Old 06-21-2021, 01:22 PM   #14
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: New Carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Doe View Post
Does the Marvel mate with the throttle, choke, and GAV without customization?
Just like it was made for it...

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Old 06-21-2021, 02:43 PM   #15
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Default Re: New Carb

Trendy.
And probably expensive, and eventually you may want to learn how to trouble shoot whichever carb you decide to use.
There are a lot of decent zenith cores. I have had good results using OEM internals.
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Old 06-21-2021, 03:06 PM   #16
Jim M
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Default Re: New Carb

I have a zenith that works great. The key to performance is J R Bullock in Texarkana! Nicest person you will ever talk to. I sent mine to him and when it came back just bolted it on and have NEVER touched or adjusted it. Car starts, idles, and runs like a champ. Not only does he do a great job but nicest guy to talk to. CAN'T go wrong!!
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Old 06-21-2021, 04:39 PM   #17
old31
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Default Re: New Carb

To answer the initial question, I would go with a tilly over Zenith.

If I could choose between all 3, I would go with Marvel.
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Old 06-21-2021, 04:50 PM   #18
kursed30
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Default Re: New Carb

I noticed that JR guy rebuilds also. I have two Zeniths and two Tillys. Thinking maybe have one of the four rebuilt and sell 3 cores to him for a new one. That way i have a spare.
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Old 06-21-2021, 04:58 PM   #19
Gene F
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Default Re: New Carb

A B carb for me, but I have the Brumfield head, the big valves, and the IB-330 cam. I used to run the Zenith, which worked just fine.
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Old 06-21-2021, 04:59 PM   #20
Gene F
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Default Re: New Carb

Sometime I'd like to go for a spin in an A with the downdraft setup.
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