1933 chrysler royal 8 carb & w/pump question

[john walker's workshop]

The original stromberg carb is pretty crude. I would like to use a better carb. What else fits, or can be made to fit? Also, who rebuilds water pumps so there's no packing, just bearings and seals? Or is there a kit like that? Thanks, John Walker 206 789 6800. jwworkshop at aoldottcom

[carbking]

The internet shows the Royal 8 as being the model CT 274 CID engine.

 

If this is correct, then the original carburetor would have been a Stromberg EX-32 which was probably the finest single barrel downdraft available in 1933.

 

In 1936, Stromberg added a vacuum power system to the E series, and the EX carbs became EXV carbs, which gave slightly better fuel control under more than a normal load.

 

In 1939, Stromberg obsoleted the E series, and brought out the B series, but by this time Chrysler had opted to discontinue the expensive Strombergs on other than their most expensive models, and were to the cheaper and much more troublesome Carter BBR series. While I really like MOST Carter carburetors, I cannot recommend the BBR series for anything other than numbers-matching show cars. Carter had so much trouble with them, Carter even offered a troubleshooting document for the BBR series alone.

 

As Chrysler did not offer a B series Stromberg, one would have to do significant research on venturi size, etc. on the aftermarket BXOV series carbs, if one wanted the most up-to-date of the Strombergs.

 

Zenith basically made this size single barrel ONLY for trucks or univesal application.

 

If one is not interested in keeping the vehicle somewhat period original, then that opens up a whole spectrum of Rochester B's, Carter BBS, Carter YF, Holley 1904, Holley 1920, Zenith 28, and Zenith 228 carbs; NONE of which would be calibrated for the Chrysler engine, and would require fuel line, linkage, and air cleaner changes.

 

An additional possibility requiring a manifold change is the 1937 Chrysler 274 is shown as using a two-barrel downdraft. I have no references that tell me whether or not the two-barrel intake will fit the CT.

 

Jon.

Edited August 19, 2016 by carbking (see edit history)

[john walker's workshop]

Thanks for the rundown on carbs. State of the art in '33, but still pretty crude. I'll look at the '37 2bbl. I could make an adapter rather than swap manifolds.

[carbking]

Using a 2->1 adapter and the two-barrel will run much worse than the 1933 carb (which really is not a bad carb).

 

Jon.

[maok]

If you are going to use a 2 to 1 adapter, then a weber 32/36 would probably work well.

[john walker's workshop]

Well, I dug around in the garage and found a 2bbl carter carb from a '48 buick super 248ci. I made an adapter and it runs great. Automatic choke, so no more choke and throttle cables needed. 

[carbking]

Glad you got it running, and can now enjoy the car.

 

Don't toss the original EX-32. Sometime when you have some spare time, take it apart and determine what is wrong with it. Impossible for any two-barrel running through a 2->1 adapter to run as well as a well-functioning original. If it runs great now, think how it could run.

 

Jon.