245/270 hp carb setups

[Tom B.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

You won't mistake the Chrysler WCFBs for Chevy ones as the base was smaller with the mounting holes right next to the throttle bores and not spaced out like in the above gasket picture (at least on the 1956 2x4 carbs). The gasket was square without ears. I had a '56 set on a 354 Hemi in my '47 Ford coupe way back when. Buicks used the same small carb base size also in the mid '50s.

I have a late '56 set on my '59 right now and an original untouched December '59 set to put on it when I get them rebuilt if you need any pictures. I also have a spare set of 270 carbs all apart in a box. I thought that they were 245 carbs until one of these discussions several years ago showed me that they were not.

Roy,

Are you sure that is a pic of a Chrysler intake? It is nothing like the one I had. The Hemi had a seperate valley cover and the water outlet was on the cast iron front cover that was also the pump housing. That may be a late '50s Polysphere which looks to use the Corvette size base. Still a Chrysler I guess. The '56s used chokes on both carbs and were not progressive.

Tom

[Mark P.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

Hello Mike - I spent the last few weeks finding a set of rebuildable 2 X 4 cores for my 245HP 1960 and had good converstations with a number of carb restorers including Chuck Smith and Bob Kunz who were the most knowledgeable by far. This turned out to be the hardest part to locate and the most expensive so far for me.

I'll share some of what I found:

1. The Gary Hodges article "Dual Four Barrel Carburetors" and the Judging guide were the best source of info.
2. The 245HP has the shorter counter weight and has different metering rods and linkage.
3. The 049 main body is difficult to find and pricey. I have heard of up to $1,000 paid for just this center section of the carb.
4. I called Paragon and they said they looked for 2 and 1/2 years for a 58-60 set and finally found a restored set for $3,800. This got me nervous because I never expected these carbs would be so costly.
5. I purchased a set of pretty complete cores for $1,200 but it was a needle in a haystack find and they were from 2 different sellers. My local non-Corvette carb rebuilder has 4,000 cores and had just two WCFB's and one was a correct 245HP front 2626S that was complete. I bought it for $400. The rear 2627S cost me $800. During my search I located 2 complete sets of cores that ranged from $2,200 to $3,800. The set for $2,200 comes with the correct manifold. Contact me privately if you want me to connect you to the seller who is a NCRS member. I also located three sets of restored carbs in the $3,500 to $4,500 range but was not comfortable they would all be NCRS correct.
6. I believe it would be quite costly to convert a 245HP set-up to a 270HP set-up. Bob or Chuck could explain that better. Chuck also has a price list of all the pieces he sells to many of the carb rebuilders in the country. This would help you understand what components are available and the related costs.
7. I heard quite a few horror stories from people who bought the wrong carbs or junk on EBAY so I would be very careful.

Good Luck,

Mark

[Ted S.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

I'm no expert on this but what I was thinking of is the four fuel dump tubes in the venturis in the main bodies are cut vertically (parallel to the venturi centerline) in the 2626 & 2627 245HP carbs and at an angle in the 2613 and 2614 270HP carbs. There may be other differences, but this would be visible if you're really trying for originality.

This is correct. On the 270hp carbs you can see into the tubes from the top verses on the 245hp carbs you can't. I believe it's only on the primary side though. I have a 270hp pair on the shelf at home that I can check.

[Tom O.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

I would also recommend Bob Kunz. He rebuilt my 270 hp carbs and manifold for my '59 this year. Very knowledgeable and very nice to talk to.

[Mike T.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

I have located a set of carbs from a member david sokolinski in gardenia calif. They are expensive and am nervious about sending a check without knowing they are correct. Does anyone know who in the gardenia area that could check these out. Davids member number is 22609. how can I confirm his membership? Thanks for your help
Mike

[Mark P.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

I have called the NCRS to check on a membership before and they were very helpful.

When I was buying the dual four carb cores for my 245HP 1960 a couple months ago I used the Gary Hodges article on my Restorer CD and also sent pictures by e-mail to Chuck Smith (olsmoothie@sbcglobal.net) in Southern California. Chuck confirmed they were right and is now rebuilding them. He is very helpful and respected. He is a couple hours from Gardena, CA.

[Steven N.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

Go to your restorer magazine and look under the team leaders column's. Gary Hodges is the carb guy. He wrote several articles for the magazine and has all the information you need. Give him a call. Nice fellow and very helpful

[Philip C.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

I have located a set of carbs from a member david sokolinski in gardenia calif. They are expensive and am nervious about sending a check without knowing they are correct. Does anyone know who in the gardenia area that could check these out. Davids member number is 22609. how can I confirm his membership? Thanks for your help
Mike

Mike for what its worth, I would NOT feel nervious dealing with Dave, hes a great guy (hes in it for profit) and he tells it straight. Phil 8063

[Mike T.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

How do I get in contact with Bob Kuntz? And do you recommend him to rebuilt and restore a set of carbs and manifold?
Thanks
Mike

[Tom B.]

Re: 245/270 hp carb setups

Bob Kunz Automotive
314-845-2566

I know of several people here that wouldn't use anyone else. He did a 1966 Holley for me a while back. It is very nice and I only got the street rebuild, not the total restore.

Tom