Offenhauser 2X1 question
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Elder User
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Offenhauser 2X1 question
So I got this 223 that I'm almost finished building. I'm considering the big splurge and getting the 2X1 Offy manifold. I've already done the Duraspark conversion so no 'crapomatic' concerns. I know these can be a bit tricky to get set up, but once done, do they stay that way? This will be a daily driver and I really don't want something finicky. thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
A Unisync gauge is well worth the investment for setting up multicarbs. If in good condition the carbs themselves should hold their setting, but like all single or multi-carb non computerized engines, the tune deteriorates as the running hours increase between full tune ups. Best thing to do is to have it tuned the first time by someone who's familiar with older engines on a dyno to be sure the correct jets and ignition curve is in it to start with, that will reduce the finicky aspect appreciably. IMHO most that have issues with multi-carbs is because they were never set up properly (seat of the pants tune) in the first place.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
I assume the 2x1 uses two Holley 1904's? Not my favorite carb for sure. Even a 94 would be an improvement over the 1904. Is there a manifold that would let you use a small 4-barrel like the 350 or 500 cfm Edelbrock or even a small Holley?
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Yes, the Clifford will let you use either a single tow or a four. But they're expensive!
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Houston
I have no power issues with the stock one-barrel 1904 on my 215. However, the carb design is pretty poor. If you are determined to go 2X1, use the Holley 847s from 41-51 Ford flathead 6s. These are basically a one barrel version of the 94s. The earlier ones do not have the load-a-matic circuit in them either. Google image search
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Jose, CA
I'm running an OFFY 2x1 with Holley 1904s on the 215 in my 52.
The carbs are rebuilt. I also have a Pertronix ignitor kit and Pertronix coil. The load-o-matic distributor appears to be running ok. You may need to retard the timing slightly. At first, I had a friend help me with the set up. We couldn't get it tuned properly. I ended up taking it to a mechanic that is familiar with tuning multiple carb set ups. He adjusted the linkage and synced the carbs with the Uni-syn tool that AX is describing. I bought two, one for each carb. The truck now runs much better. To me, the $200 investment (2 hrs at $100/hr) to have the mechanic do it was worth it.
If you don't want to run the Pertronix, you can have Bubba convert a Chevy or a Mallory dual point distributor to work on your 223, Our Services. You can also follow this brief how-to and change the LOM dizzy to a newer Ford dizzy, Help with 215 OHV I6 2x1 set up - Page 2 - The Ford Barn.
The carbs are rebuilt. I also have a Pertronix ignitor kit and Pertronix coil. The load-o-matic distributor appears to be running ok. You may need to retard the timing slightly. At first, I had a friend help me with the set up. We couldn't get it tuned properly. I ended up taking it to a mechanic that is familiar with tuning multiple carb set ups. He adjusted the linkage and synced the carbs with the Uni-syn tool that AX is describing. I bought two, one for each carb. The truck now runs much better. To me, the $200 investment (2 hrs at $100/hr) to have the mechanic do it was worth it.
If you don't want to run the Pertronix, you can have Bubba convert a Chevy or a Mallory dual point distributor to work on your 223, Our Services. You can also follow this brief how-to and change the LOM dizzy to a newer Ford dizzy, Help with 215 OHV I6 2x1 set up - Page 2 - The Ford Barn.
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51, that's purty!
I've already converted to a Duraspark distributor, so the s0park control valves will be blocked off if I use 1904's. Seeing as I have two of 'em I'm really tempted.
I also have a set of mercury gauges for my 4 cyl motorcycle carbs. I can at least get close with it, I think.
If yours is being reliable, that is the concern for me
I've already converted to a Duraspark distributor, so the s0park control valves will be blocked off if I use 1904's. Seeing as I have two of 'em I'm really tempted.
I also have a set of mercury gauges for my 4 cyl motorcycle carbs. I can at least get close with it, I think.
If yours is being reliable, that is the concern for me
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
51, that's purty!
I've already converted to a Duraspark distributor, so the s0park control valves will be blocked off if I use 1904's. Seeing as I have two of 'em I'm really tempted.
I also have a set of mercury gauges for my 4 cyl motorcycle carbs. I can at least get close with it, I think.
If yours is being reliable, that is the concern for me
I've already converted to a Duraspark distributor, so the s0park control valves will be blocked off if I use 1904's. Seeing as I have two of 'em I'm really tempted.
I also have a set of mercury gauges for my 4 cyl motorcycle carbs. I can at least get close with it, I think.
If yours is being reliable, that is the concern for me
Try thinking of it this way: You (your engine) are at a party and someone brings out a beer bong (a carb). You are a partyer so you can handle the bong and drink it down without spilling the beer (just barely it's a good size bong!) Now someone brings out a second bong (the second carb) the same size and puts both in your mouth at the same time. Question: how likely is it you will now be able to reliably drink from both bongs at the same time without choking or spitting some out?
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Knuckle Bandage Sales Rep
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From: Maine
I like the bong comparison.
I had an Offy 2x1 on my '65 Chevelle which had a 230 inline six. The carbs were Carter YF's and I used the Offy linkage. I have to say that I was always futzing with them. Changes in air temp....drive length, NASDAQ trend, phase of the moon would all have an effect on that set-up. I used a manual choke to see if it would help, and it did but only a little. I did have the heat plate under the intake in case anyone was wondering. It looked pretty but was rather high maintenance.
Tom
I had an Offy 2x1 on my '65 Chevelle which had a 230 inline six. The carbs were Carter YF's and I used the Offy linkage. I have to say that I was always futzing with them. Changes in air temp....drive length, NASDAQ trend, phase of the moon would all have an effect on that set-up. I used a manual choke to see if it would help, and it did but only a little. I did have the heat plate under the intake in case anyone was wondering. It looked pretty but was rather high maintenance.
Tom
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IMHO if you are going to cut corners and cheap out it will not be reliable. "close" ain't gonna cut it. If you aren't going to spend the money to do it right don't do it at all, or seal off one carb (plug the fuel line, put a aluminum shim stock block off plate under it) and only run on one operating carb and a dummy for looks only.
Try thinking of it this way: You (your engine) are at a party and someone brings out a beer bong (a carb). You are a partyer so you can handle the bong and drink it down without spilling the beer (just barely it's a good size bong!) Now someone brings out a second bong (the second carb) the same size and puts both in your mouth at the same time. Question: how likely is it you will now be able to reliably drink from both bongs at the same time without choking or spitting some out?
Try thinking of it this way: You (your engine) are at a party and someone brings out a beer bong (a carb). You are a partyer so you can handle the bong and drink it down without spilling the beer (just barely it's a good size bong!) Now someone brings out a second bong (the second carb) the same size and puts both in your mouth at the same time. Question: how likely is it you will now be able to reliably drink from both bongs at the same time without choking or spitting some out?
I really appreciate the assistance on this.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Inline 6's are a real quandary. EFI is really the only way to get decent fuel distribution. The 4-barrel kits eliminate the fooling around with linkage and synch'ing, but unless the manifold puts the carb far away from the engine, you have really unequal length runners, and fuel distribution. But then you have problems in cold weather getting heat into the manifold. Chrysler Slant-6's were worlds better than Ford and Chevy but I remember neighbors struggling to start them in the winter. We owned a bunch of Fords with the 200 ci 6's and they would burn the exhaust valves on the #1 and #6 cylinders because they ran so lean (gas just never made it that far).
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
Inline 6's are a real quandary. EFI is really the only way to get decent fuel distribution. The 4-barrel kits eliminate the fooling around with linkage and synch'ing, but unless the manifold puts the carb far away from the engine, you have really unequal length runners, and fuel distribution. But then you have problems in cold weather getting heat into the manifold. Chrysler Slant-6's were worlds better than Ford and Chevy but I remember neighbors struggling to start them in the winter. We owned a bunch of Fords with the 200 ci 6's and they would burn the exhaust valves on the #1 and #6 cylinders because they ran so lean (gas just never made it that far).
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
That's why i'd prefer the Offy 3 x 1 manifold, but you might need a little more cam and headers.
I had a 57 Ford with the 6 in Buffalo and never had cold start issues even after digging it out of 4'-5' driveway snow drifts and minus double digit temps.
I had a 57 Ford with the 6 in Buffalo and never had cold start issues even after digging it out of 4'-5' driveway snow drifts and minus double digit temps.
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We see -20 here in the PacNW from time to time. If I go the 2X1 route I think I'll try to figure out a way to choke both carbs with one cable. This is also part of the reason for the Offy. Exh heat is the easiest way to warm up the carb/s