Fuel System: Replacement options for Stromberg WW

[Bradford]

What would be a good/better option for replacing the Stromberg 2 barrel carburetor for my 61 259 auto Lark? I'm wanting something that will bolt to the manifold without modification. Something a little more modern perhaps.
Thanks.

[BobPalma]

Brad, I don't know why you'd want to do that. The Stromberg WW is an excellent carb for those engines; I cannot imagine a genuine "improvement" with another carburetor. Three of my 1964 Daytona 259s have that carburetor and they all run fine.

If yours needs rebuilding due to worn throttle shaft bushings, it could be causing all manner of troubles. Before spending time and money trying to "improve" the situation by changing carbs, send it to Dave Thibeault or Daytona Parts Company for a good rebuild that would include rebushing the cast-iron throttle body. You'll be glad you did in the long run. BP

[Bradford]

Yeah that may be true but he is charging $275 for a rebuild and Im not planning on keeping the 2 barrel forever.
I'm seeing the 2 barrel Rochester carbs for $150 new.

[StudeRich]

The biggest problem with ANY replacement Carb. like Rochester, it the Choke. the is no way to connect a choke heater tube to any but the original Carb.

Early Chev. Carbs do not use Choke housing heat, they are built into the Manifold.

So in Winter, you get all the popping and banging from too Lean a mixture, until the whole engine warms up.

[Bradford]

Well I ordered a rebuild kit for the WW. My brother says he thinks he can rebuild it. Im not there to help him. We'll see how it goes but I'd still like to know of any replacement carbs that people are using.

[T.J lavallee]

Short of an edelbrock conversion for a lot more than $275.00 the Stromberg carb is the way to go. As a rule of thumb, factory engineers choose the component that works best for any given application. If, however, that component is problematic then a replacement is in order. The Stromberg WW is not a problematic carb. It's reliable, easy to tune and a breeze to rebuild with the S.I. kit and as StudeRich points out in post #4 it's designed to mate with the heat riser tube for the choke. Yes, you could bolt a Carter on, perhaps fiddle with the linkage satisfactorily, shut off the choke heat riser tube and install a cable choke kit but the effort is not worth it. The Stromberg is the right carb as was originally intended and will deliver the best performance.

[BRUCESTUDE]

I just put a kit in my WW, that and fiddling with the pump linkage seemed to cure some issues with the Lark. My last Stude was a 4bbl 259, and I think the WW gives plenty of pep, especially for everyday driving.

[StudeRich]

/Cut/...but I'd still like to know of any replacement carbs that people are using.

I know of None, people either Rebuild their WW which, when set up correctly works quite well, or they buy a re-machined '59 to '64 2 Barrel Intake Manifold from one of our Studebaker Vendors or a Forum Member to accept a 500 cfm Edelbrock AFB 4 Brl. Clone.

Which looks a lot like this Original Factory '63-'64 AFB Intake.

[jackb]

one problem you might run into is throttle shaft leakage..... I wonder if Dave T. routinely re-bushes them ?? If so, that's the way to go...