Webber Problems

FatBoy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 02:51 PM

Hi,
A friend of mine has recently bought a Contemporary 427 with an aluminium Shelby engine with quad Webers and he is having real problems finding someone to set them up correctly. So much so, that he has now decided to swap them for a Holley. He will obviously need a new inlet manifold and the question is, will a standard FE manifold fit, or do the Shelby engines require a special Shelby manifold?

On the subject of the Webers, they have supposedly been setup on a rolling road, but it is still banging and popping and spitting back through the carbs, so I don't think the person who did it really knew what they were doing.
Does anyone have a suggestions as to what the problem might be or any quick and dirty tips for setting up the Webbers?

Thanks,
Paul

RodKnock · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBoy

He will obviously need a new inlet manifold and the question is, will a standard FE manifold fit, or do the Shelby engines require a special Shelby manifold? Thanks, Paul

No, any intake manifold will do. In fact, my engine builder told me that the Shelby manifolds are made by Edelbrock for Shelby, but that's just hearsay.

Sorry to hear the Webers don't work. Are you thinking of installing them on your Kirkham?

FatBoy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Sorry to hear the Webers don't work. Are you thinking of installing them on your Kirkham?

That thought had crossed my mind.

They look great, but I don't really want to inherit the problems.
I presume they are thirstier than a Holley, buy I'm only guessing. Do they hold their tune once correctly set up?

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBoy

That thought had crossed my mind.

They look great, but I don't really want to inherit the problems.
I presume they are thirstier than a Holley, buy I'm only guessing. Do they hold their tune once correctly set up?

There are a plethora of Weber experts on this forum, so I'll defer the "will they hold their tune?" question to them.

I will say that "the thought" has crossed my mind too.

rokndad · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBoy

That thought had crossed my mind.

They look great, but I don't really want to inherit the problems.
I presume they are thirstier than a Holley, buy I'm only guessing. Do they hold their tune once correctly set up?

Once set, they hold their tune. And depending on the cam and your foot, they are every bit as economical as a Holley. It simply sounds like someone who either knows Webers or has access to any number of Weber publications or websites like Redline or Inglese could lend a hand and tune them up. Not a quickly done feat, and may require some trial and error with several combinations of parts.

Read the many threads on the Weber Carbs forum on this site to get an idea of where to start with your particular set up. It's a fun process especially when you hit the "right combo". I wouldn't give up on them. I'll don't think I'll ever get back to a 4bbl even though the whole set up is cleaned and sitting in my closet in the garage.

Rick Parker · #6 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 11:49 PM

Disassemble the jets in one of the carbs and post the sizes here. Include the number stamped on the emulsion tube. We will collectively help you and your friend. If you know the cam specs that would be a big help.

FatBoy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 12:29 AM

Thanks guys.
One of the problems is that we know nothing about the engine, we don't even know what capacity it is, let alone what cam is installed.

RodKnock · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 09:55 AM

Paul, Webers are just plain awful.

Let me take (purchase) those "bad boys" from your friend and end your friend's misery.

FatBoy · #9 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 10:29 AM

I have a spare new 750fcm 4150 Holley that I have offered to swap for the Webers, which I think is very reasonable. The Holley came off my Kirkham so I know it works fine and in return, I'm getting a pile of troublesome metal that will cost a fortune to get working properly. In fact, think I'm being overly generous.

RodKnock · #10 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I have a spare new 750fcm 4150 Holley that I have offered to swap for the Webers, which I think is very reasonable. The Holley came off my Kirkham so I know it works fine and in return, I'm getting a pile of troublesome metal that will cost a fortune to get working properly. In fact, think I'm being overly generous.

You're definitely a saint or how about a knighthood?

FatBoy · #11 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 11:05 AM

"Arise Sir Paul"...definitely has a nice ring to it.

68gt500 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBoy

That thought had crossed my mind.

They look great, but I don't really want to inherit the problems.
I presume they are thirstier than a Holley, buy I'm only guessing. Do they hold their tune once correctly set up?

Once properly tuned the Webers mileage is pretty much the same as a well tuned Holley.

I have had a few Holleys on my Shelby and now the 48 IDAs and it is pretty much the same - even having lost the vacum advance.

Anyways - Mileage is infinitely variable by application of right foot pressure.

On the subject of holding the tune - absolutely! Even after sitting all winter - they work fine - which was often not the case with the Holleys I had.

A98Coupe · #13 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 05:53 AM

Paul,

You could get your mate to contact Knight Racing in UK. They are Ford specialists, including the FE and race prep. many of the Historic Cobra race cars that frequent Goodwood! They have a rolling road and the know how to set up Webers or Holleys under load. Reasonable rates as well. I think this would be better option than spending more wonger fitting a Holley which will still need setting up.

FatBoy · #14 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A98Coupe

Paul,

You could get your mate to contact Knight Racing in UK. They are Ford specialists, including the FE and race prep. many of the Historic Cobra race cars that frequent Goodwood! They have a rolling road and the know how to set up Webers or Holleys under load. Reasonable rates as well. I think this would be better option than spending more wonger fitting a Holley which will still need setting up.

Thank you for your suggestion. I'll look them up and give them a call.

Paul

FatBoy · #15 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 08:06 AM

I've just looked up Knight Racing and they are only 22 miles from my office.

I may even take mine along for a tune up.

Paul

Rick Parker · #16 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 11:24 PM

So, how did things work out?

FatBoy · #17 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

So, how did things work out?

Hi Rick,
They haven't yet I'm afraid. I haven't had time to follow up on anything recently.
I'll post an update in due course.
Thanks,
Paul

jfedwards · #18 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 09:41 AM

Good morning,

I'm a new member of CC and this is my first post -- have been planning on a Kirkham with a 427 S/O for sometime now and am getting closer to getting serious about it.

Based on my experience, if I wanted to find a Webber expert, I'd try the local Ferrari dealership first. I've hung around with the guys from Ferrari of Houston over the years and these Ferrari mechanics live with Webbers day in and day out. I've watched them tune them -- wish I could say some of it rubbed off on me -- and they know 'em cold. You might even get one of the mechanics to stop by at the house after hours.

Joe Edwards