I've seen the Daytona Parts universal one-barrel carb mentioned on the forum before, but never any reports from actual owners. I bought one months back for my 1962 Studebaker Lark (with the 6cyl), here's what I've found.
Installation was a piece of cake. It bolted right on in place of the stock carb. I stuck in a cheap choke cable (it's just held under the dash with double sided tape, I'm holding out to find a better looking cable) and was up and running pretty quick.
Here's the embarrassing part: although I installed it according to the instructions, I forgot to set the main jet. For months I had problems with the engine sputtering and choking pulling away from a stop when cold, and I also got on the order of 10mpg.
I finally figured it out, spent 5 minutes and adjusted the main jet. You just set the throttle at about 1500rpm and turn the screw until you get the maximum rpm gain.
Now it pulls away from a start wonderfully after only 30 seconds or so to warm up. I keep a little touch of choke on for the first minute or so of driving, then just turn it off.
I haven't been able to get a good measurement of fuel consumption yet... I filled up the tank after adjusting the carburetor, and after 50 miles of driving the needle has barely dropped below the F marker. On the old main jet setting, I'd already be at 3/4 tank, so the consumption is much better. I'm estimating roughly 20mpg from mostly city driving and will report back when I next fill the tank.
Verdict: if you want a brand new carb designed for gas with ethanol, it works great. Set it up PROPERLY (pm me for help if you need) and you should be as happy as I am!
Addendum: I almost forgot to mention, the stock air filter tends to interfere with the choke cable. Daytona has a washable air filter for $30, I bought one and it both looks & works great!
I'll post pictures soon, I think it looks really nice in there.
Installation was a piece of cake. It bolted right on in place of the stock carb. I stuck in a cheap choke cable (it's just held under the dash with double sided tape, I'm holding out to find a better looking cable) and was up and running pretty quick.
Here's the embarrassing part: although I installed it according to the instructions, I forgot to set the main jet. For months I had problems with the engine sputtering and choking pulling away from a stop when cold, and I also got on the order of 10mpg.
I finally figured it out, spent 5 minutes and adjusted the main jet. You just set the throttle at about 1500rpm and turn the screw until you get the maximum rpm gain.
Now it pulls away from a start wonderfully after only 30 seconds or so to warm up. I keep a little touch of choke on for the first minute or so of driving, then just turn it off.
I haven't been able to get a good measurement of fuel consumption yet... I filled up the tank after adjusting the carburetor, and after 50 miles of driving the needle has barely dropped below the F marker. On the old main jet setting, I'd already be at 3/4 tank, so the consumption is much better. I'm estimating roughly 20mpg from mostly city driving and will report back when I next fill the tank.
Verdict: if you want a brand new carb designed for gas with ethanol, it works great. Set it up PROPERLY (pm me for help if you need) and you should be as happy as I am!
Addendum: I almost forgot to mention, the stock air filter tends to interfere with the choke cable. Daytona has a washable air filter for $30, I bought one and it both looks & works great!
I'll post pictures soon, I think it looks really nice in there.
But it sure does look like the famous Holly design of a float bowl on it's side like it is looking for a leak.
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