Are we looking at the wrong thing?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
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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
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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.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
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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
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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".
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
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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
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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
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From: Spokane, WA
What fordman75 said X2....which is what I have been saying but Ted said it direct and to the point.
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Laughing Gas
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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
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Posting Guru
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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.
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