Are we looking at the wrong thing?
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Are we looking at the wrong thing?
Here's an observation I've had the past few days. Many of us guys look at tge cfm of carbs to run through our engines. But...those numbers are usually dry flow tested numbers meaning ONLY air is run through. Shouldn't we be looking at the wet flow numbers to get a realistic flow reading because when fuel is added..it changes the flow characteristics by as much as 15%. And different makers rate and flow different specs
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 10
From: Spokane, WA
IF one is looking for the one and only ultimate magic bullet (the Holy Grail of carbs) for all 300 Ford I6 engines, it won't be found whether it be tested dry flow/wet flow or any other kind of flow. There are just too many variables and differences between engines, their usage, driving manner of operator, ad infinitum...that no one particular carb is going to fit the bill for everyone. IF one had the resources to have a fully equipped lab (flow bench, dyno, etc.) one could arrive at THE carb for one individual engine depending on what parameters that engine is expected or desired to operate within. All bets are off for the next engine to enter the lab...it's a new deal...just like in a Poker game. It will not necessarily play the same as the previous deal.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
I know this. I observed cuz technically I bought a 570 cfm..but what am I getting? Holley states their avenger carbs are 100% wet flow tested..but does the 570 account for this? Or is the 570 a dry cfm flow number..so ill be getting about 460 cfm real time. I guess its more or less a question of labeling
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 10
From: Spokane, WA
It's not a question of labeling at all. Holley determines the specs for their carbs (as Edelbrock does too) based on a uniform measurement criteria they have established under specific lab conditions. The lab established and published flow standards for a carb (whether wet or dry...it makes no difference) are a general guide for carb selection...nothing more and nothing less. And you will not find a published flow standard that specifically states "This is the one and only one for 68cabby's engine".
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Haha yes..although many guys would find it handy. I guess in terms of trying to fine tune. Many guys like to over carb..but how are we supposed to know what's overcarb and undercarbed? If a 670 cfm is only 600 wet..that's a 70 cfm difference. Now I highly doubt that's a major deal..but I know on some 950 hp carbs they only flow wet at about 826 cfm. That's like losing 125!
On the other side..Barry Grant carbs do the opposite. They test at let's say 750 cfm but are actually 900 cfm. I'm not sure what's more important. A dry flow or a wet flow to determine usage..cuz it seems to me that wet flow numbers are more realistic..but that's just me. Don't mean to open any can of worms..but this carb stuff is confusing!
On the other side..Barry Grant carbs do the opposite. They test at let's say 750 cfm but are actually 900 cfm. I'm not sure what's more important. A dry flow or a wet flow to determine usage..cuz it seems to me that wet flow numbers are more realistic..but that's just me. Don't mean to open any can of worms..but this carb stuff is confusing!
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
Here's my opinion. Unless you are racing one and trying to squeeze every single hp out of it you can. What does it matter? Pick a carb that's in a general size range you think will work and tune it to run good on your engine and be happy.
Your engine isn't going to care if it's a 570 or a 600. But maybe it's just my opinion.
Your engine isn't going to care if it's a 570 or a 600. But maybe it's just my opinion.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 10
From: Spokane, WA
What fordman75 said X2....which is what I have been saying but Ted said it direct and to the point.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Haha I know. I'm not concerned bout what cfm I'm running..just a little observation was all. My 570 is a 570 and it runs good
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1
there's only a few ways.
1. dyno runs
2. dragstrip runs
3. wideband O2 sensor
its not hard- most of us just don't have any of the above.
1. dyno runs
2. dragstrip runs
3. wideband O2 sensor
its not hard- most of us just don't have any of the above.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
new=junk
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
3
Feb 14, 2004 05:52 PM
4294x4
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
4
Aug 22, 2002 10:16 PM