valk

I have the spacer and counter weight but either the valve is stuck in the full open position or, more likely, removed entirely (I have to go look). We've discussed this in other threads - some believe the valve is essential but my car runs fine without it. It sometimes stumbles slightly on take off when cold but not when warmed up so I can live with that. Plugs read normal and good. I was told by the previous owner (a knowledgable collector/restorer) that the valve was necessary to accomodate the low grade fuel available before the war but that modern fuels alieviate the need for it now. Not saying I buy this but my car does not appear to suffer in the slightest. That said, not having one strengthens the argument to go with the full duals.

Wow. 1954 Speed Manual, how cool is that? And, fortunatlely as it turns out, I have no rear damper valve.

Thank you very much, Lawrence. Exactly what I needed. I now know what carbs to use, how to set up the heat/choke tube, and the linkage info. Thanks again and I love the upgrades you've made on your Century. Peter

Excellent points, Matt, and that's been my experience as well. Thanks for nailing down my options if and when I decide to proceed. I've kinda been running out of steam on this one anyway, especially since I can't find the best carb. I certainly have other stuff that needs attention so I'll take your advise and punt this one for the time being. That said, I still like the idea and may give it a shot down the road so I'm still interested in learning about how to go about it. As always thanks again, Peter

Ok I've been trying to digest all this and it's giving me gas (oooh that was bad). Please please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the best option for converting a '41 320 engine to 2 full functioning Carter carbs would be to find another 490S to match the one I already have. I am a little concerned that 2 490s might be too much carb and I would welcome any comments. The next best option would be to source 2 smaller Carter carbs, and the 528 seems to be the way to go. Anybody know what year carb this is and what was the application? Are there any other possibilities I missed? Will any full functioning Buick/Carter carb work from '41 through '48? Please help me hone in on what I should be looking for. Thank you! Peter

So to be clear, what is the bolt pattern for the single carb on smaller engines? Jon suggests these as good alternatives so it must have a 3-bolt pattern?

...and the beauty of the design is that an owner can have it both ways simply by reversing the brackets. I, too, would love to know the Buick recommendation for tapping power and the routing of the wires.

...and I like the looks of both locations. Your beautiful car accentuates the massive grill...

Thanks but no switching out intakes for me. 2 Carter 528s or similar seems to be the way to go. And, yes, I'm keeping the 490s. Thanks for all the advise.

I've come to the same conclusions particularly since I can't find a large Carter. Regarding tuning the Carters, I've had the most success by checking plugs and making small idle screw adjustments depending on what I see. Starts and runs great now.

Hi Anderson, Yea, I'm aware mine are not installed the way Buick recommended but I don't buy that they inhibit air flow and I prefer placing them so they are not right behind the bumper guards. I'll lose points but I'm not a real contender anyway. Peter

Thanks Jon, great info. I will alter my strategy accordingly unless I stumble upon a 490. Sounds like I could sell my 490 to pay for the 2 smaller carbs but I think I'm going to hold on to it so I can return to stock should the need arise. I have couple projects I have to finish first (back up light install, painting under the hood) and then I'll give you a call regarding these smaller carbs. Thanks again, Peter

Thanks Lawrence. I tried them at your suggestion but they didn't have any 490s. Seems this may be a difficult carb to come by. So far I've tried: Carb Center, Vintage Carbs, Carb Exchange, National Carb, The Carb Shop, Mike's Carb and J&J's...whew....I'm going to comb through the Buick parts sources next. I'm in no rush since I'm using the carb as a "mod" to replace the stock secondary carb, and my stock set-up works perfectly well which begs the question why am I doing this in the first place? I think the answer is that it just seems to make sense from an engineering standpoint. I love balance...

Wow - neat color (I think). Certainly unique. Peter

Nice work Neil, car really looks nice. Love the led lights on your gauges, I'll have to look that up. Peter

None on his web-site but I'll call him to make sure. Thanks for the suggestion. Hoping some one here has a 490 on the shelf collecting dust.

Looking for a Carter 490S carb which is the proper main carb for a '41 320 engine. Thanks, Peter

Thanks Lawrence, just what I need to know.

Sorry, just noticed you used 2 528S. Since my car has a 490S as its main carb, I'm guessing I should stick with finding the same model, another 490S. Matt, is that what you did or are you running 2 528s as well?

Thanks Lawrence. Your car certainly has some cool functional mods. I'm curious about one thing though. The front Carter carb for a '41 Century is a 490S, same as on my Roadmaster, according to the manual. Did you run into any issues using the front carb off the smaller motor (528S) with your 490S? Anybody have either one to sell? Peter

Damn, that set up looks good in many ways. How/where did you guys hook up the choke heat tube on the second carb?

It certainly does, thank you. I'll study this carefully. Wish my exhaust manifold and headers were as nice as yours... Peter

Matt, any chance of getting a pic of your carb set-up? I'm intriqued by your 2-carb set-up and the linkage that has both carbs operating simulatiously. Peter

Current bid is no where near what its worth. Classics like these don't get much attention on this website so I'm guessing the reserve will not be met.

Thanks Matt. According to the chart, 1941 Series 60 and 70 performance stats are identical. Move over Centurys, you share the stage with Roadmasters when it comes to performance, at least in 1941! Peter