IDA vs. IDF

Dean Hornbacher · #1 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 08:41 PM

I am thinking of changing from a single 850 holley to webers. I have a need to tinker and tune. I know IDA's are more of a full race type carb, but I have read and heard that IDF's are more street freindly. I would like some input from anyone who has webers currently or who has in the past. Pros and Cons on either type of weber.........

Mike I · #2 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 05:42 AM

Dean,
I have 48 IDFs on my car. They look and run great. The basic differences between the IDF & IDA carbs are as follows:

IDAs are somewhat larger in physical size, have brass floats, piston type accelerator pumps and no idle bypass adjustments or choke mechanisms. They also cost quite a bit more than IDFs.

If you're looking for the most authentic look and all out high performance use, you have to go with the IDAs. If under hood clearance and additional tuneability is a concern, go with the IDFs. Either way, you won't be disappointed. I replaced my Holley with the IDFs last Spring and I'll never go back to a single 4 bbl....ever!!!!

~Mike~

427Aggie · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 07:47 AM

Lets discuss this before you do it. The biggest question is why? I run the IDA's and I had a friend with the IDF's...the IDF's are much easier to tune since you can do each barrell individually you get a much better street car. If you have any cam in that motor forget them...short runners mean you can have no exhaust leaks at all.

Pros: They respond like a scaulded ape..and run through the RPM like crazy. I love the look and once you get them set you are golden.

Cons: Less cam (takes out the lumpdy lumpdy lumpdy sound). Can't have any exhaust leaks. Get really really ****ty gas milage...If you don't run screens then you can get dirt or water in them and thats bad!!!
Expensive!!!

Matt

Cal Metal · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 09:32 AM

Originality with the IDA. More masculine look, too. Height is about 7/8 inch taller than the IDF. Transition is not a big problem if jetted right with the IDA. You are correct, they were meant for racing but with 37mm chokes they run well on street. On a 427 BB Chev, the IDAs would look a little better.