Info needed on tri power

[bookworm007]

so I am almost to the point of starting a tri power set for my 65 mustang with a 200 I6. I can not afford the new AL head even though its an awesome product. So I was wondering if the tri power is the best low budget way to solve fuel distibution problems, how much power a well put together set up makes, and the best carbs to use. I have seen pics of many of the set ups using 1904's are these the best? Thank you all in advance

 

[CoupeBoy]

Best low budget.. such fickle terminology..

A 2bbl on an adapter is cheap and offers more air flow then stock, does not require special machine work and with minor modifications can use your original throttle linkage, it does still have the fuel distribution issue to the outer cylinders, but you get the options to rebuild a carb that you've already got ($30) or buy a new (rebuilt?) 32/36 progressive one from stovebolt (http://stoveboltengineco.com/).

Once you start talking about multiple carbs or direct mount carbs the expected cash outlay can vary widely depending on your tool collection, skillset, and local economy (and if you can find a shop to perform the work).

If you are already having other work done to the head then it will most likely already be off the motor and at a maching shop so opening up the 1bbl hole to allow a direct mount 2bbl would be a good option and may allow you to retain most of your stock throttle linkage.

With a 3x1bbl there are a couple options
1. Make your own, it can be done but it's time consuming and will require you to figure out fuel delivery, throttle linkage, and carb to log mounting
2. Buy a kit from somebody like vintagespeed.com ($239) Their description is vague as to whether or not progressive linkage is provided.

You will have to remove your head to modify it for multiple carbs.

As to which carb is the 'best', for me that would be the one that works, most that work properly have been rebuilt or are new. On this forum there are guys with the 1904's, Autolite 1100's, and 1bbl webers. Take your pick and plan accordingly.

If I were you I'd sit down and write down your goal, how much each piece will cost to implement along with how long you have to save for it, and how long it will take for the work to be performed. And compare a few options.

1. Getting multiple carbs, will they be ready out of box, or do you have to rebuild?
2. Is the linkage and fuel line included if you buy a kit or is it extra or do you have to make it.
3. If you have to pull the head, you may want to think about replacing the cam with something hotter to take advantage of the new airflow (plan for that also)
4. Fuel pressure regulator is probably going to be needed for any carb upgrade
5. If you have a Load-O-Matic you are going to have to upgrade your distributor to a '68 or later (points/duraspark/DUI) budget for that.

-ron

 

[primal1]

i got mine from vintage speed very quickly. the final delivered price was 255 i think. it does come with linkage. i don't know for sure if it is progressive though. i have not broke open the package of parts yet. i have my head at the machine shop now getting fitted for the intake. i was able to come across 2 weber 34 for the outboard carbs off of craigslist. not sure if i got a good deal, but they where kind of difficult to find. patrick66 has a thread on here with a table of jet sizes a few people are running on their offy to aid in setup. my machine shop is only charging 50 for the machining to mount the intake. i figure by the time i get done i'll invest about 500 for the intake. a little cheaper the the head, but also does not have all the potential the mikes head has.

 

[mluck]

as someone who has this set up for years now,i can say you better like to tinker on your car.if your in a area were you are a daily diver..go with the 2 bbl...but if you just cruise on sat.night or weekly car shows.. the cool factor is 3 1bbls...it freaks out people.....

 

[bookworm007]

Thanks for the input guys maybe I will look into the 2 barrel option because the car will be a daily driver

 

[shetland]

I just got my Tri webers running. The cool factor is definitly high. Drove it to a small local car show and everyone was trip'n out.
Could use any tips on jetting & tuning. They are still a bit rough.

 

[Junk-Falcon]

ppp

 

[RetroSpeed]

I had three NOS glass bowled Holleys on an Edelbrock tri-power adapter and can attest that although these carburetors have great visual impact they are likely not the best choice for a daily driver.

The Holleys were a pain to tune, but once dialed in ran like a scalded cat. Moreover, if you select the Holleys, check for leaks periodically as the gaskets around the bowls dry out from the underhood heat and begin to drip gas which can prove disastrous. On a related tangent, I learned first hand that a fire extinguisher proves necessary as three carbs flowing gas can cause a hell of a fire when a backfire ignites the air cleaners.

Good luck with your project and post updates of your progress.