Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

How To Set Up Multiple Carburetors on a Vintage Engine

10/13/2016
Add Article To List
Two Carbs

If you plan on running two two-barrel carburetors, both of them should be primary carburetors. Primary carburetors are designed with idle mixture circuits and choke assemblies. By using primary carburetors on a two-carb setup, you will ensure even fuel distribution to your engine.

Three Carbs

When running a three-carb setup, you typically want to use one primary carburetor in the center and two secondary carbs on the ends. This will allow your engine to use the primary carb with choke for idle and part-throttle operation. It gives the engine’s entire vacuum signal to one carburetor, ensuring good fuel distribution. When set up with a progressive throttle linkage, such as Speedway part number 5606271, this type of three-carb system will operate like a modern four-barrel carburetor: idle and cruise on just two barrels, with the secondary carbs letting in more air and fuel as the engine needs it. If you try to use three primary carburetors, it will be difficult for each one to get a proper vacuum signal or supply the correct air/fuel mixture. This causes the engine to load up at idle and foul plugs. Remember, you should always use a second return spring on the secondary carburetor to hold them shut until they are needed.

Products Featured in this Article

Related Articles

Dual Plane vs Single Plane Intake Manifolds Explained
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
5/6/2022
Dual plane or single plane intake manifold? Which is the best for your project vehicle's engine? Learn the differences in our buyer's guide.
Electric Fuel Pumps vs Mechanical Fuel Pumps: What Is Best For Your Application
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
5/3/2022
Learn how to best choose between an electric or mechanical fuel pump for your project vehicle. We help you you understand the differences in order to properly design a performance fuel system with our buyer's guide.
Automotive Jacks: What Is the Best Car Jack for Your Application
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
5/16/2023
There are a multitude of automotive jack choices to get the job done, but which jack is best (and safest!) for the job at hand? Read our buyer’s guide to find out.
Exhaust Clamps: What Clamp Is Best for Your Application
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
5/11/2023
Exhaust clamps are the perfect DIY solution to assembling your performance exhaust system at home, but what is the best clamp to use for your application. Find out in our buyer’s guide.
SBC Thick and Thin Oil Pan Gaskets - Which do I need?
by Jason Lubken - Posted in Tech
5/1/2023
How to pick the right small block Chevy oil pan gasket. We look at a 350 Chevy oil pan gasket and help you identify what thick or thin gasket you will need.
Independent Front Suspension System Upgrade Choices
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
4/28/2023
Upgrading to (or updating a poorly designed) independent front suspension, or IFS, will vastly improve your classic muscle car, hot rod, or pickup truck’s braking and handling
5.3 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 400-700+ HP
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
4/27/2023
Making great horsepower on a budget is the LS engine family’s claim to fame, but just like any other engine, the more power you ask of it the more you’ll need to spend
How Big of Tires Can I Fit - Plus Sizing Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
3/7/2023
Changing your tire’s profile, be it width, height, or both, can provide increased traction, braking, and handling. Learn more in our guide.
Mopar Flexplate Identification Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
1/25/2023
Determining the correct flexplate for your V8 Mopar-powered project takes a little understanding of how these engines were balanced. Our Mopar flexplate buyer’s guide will help.
Ford Flexplate Identification Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
1/13/2023
Ford’s small block and big block engine families have their share of flexplate differences. We’ll show you what to look for in this buyer’s guide.
Error
X
Note
X
Ok