solex vs weber carb?

nickc · Post by **nickc** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:27 pm

Hi everyone. I am interested in a '79 Spider 2000; it has a Solex carb with a manual choke. I have never heard of anything except Weber carb on the Spiders. I am looking for some info/opinions on these Solex carbs. I know the 79 / 80 carb/manifold setup was not the best; is it any better with theSolex carb?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 1:42 am

I've never seen one with a Solex. Can you get the carb number or model?
Is it installed on the oem intake manifold?

nickc · Post by **nickc** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:00 am

Ok, now I'm nervous. If you have never seen this, it can't be good. Then again, if the original carb / manifold design was so bad, maybe this is better? I will have to find out about the manifold. Anything else I should ask? Thanks, Mark.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:50 am

can you take a pic of the carb/manifold and post it? It's not so much the oem carb design was bad, the 79 had a much smaller carb due to emission regs. Just swapping on an earlier carb from a Spider makes a huge difference

FMO · Post by **FMO** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 11:19 am

I think I have read somewhere that some spiders came with double Solex ( at least at the european models). I have bought a pair of double Solex 40 PII-6 from a BC coupe, these was also delivered with Spider BS1 from 1971-73 .

http://www.fiatspiderclub.de/index.php? ... 82&lang=de

http://www.spiderplace.de/indexd.html + enter " Gescichte"

regards FMO

nickc · Post by **nickc** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 12:37 am

Thanks for the input guys.
Mark, I will take a picture, as soon as I get a chance.

nickc · Post by **nickc** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 10:47 am

Well, I called the guy on the carb. It seems it's not a Solex, but a Weber (he claims its the original). He says he mentioned Solex because Solex held the permit for Weber?? Can anyone verify this, or is this guy blowing smoke???

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 12:59 pm

Don't have a clue to the answer to your question; but, i would like to offer to be generally leary of an automobile seller that changes his story when confronted with facts.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:11 pm

sometimes a mfg will contract with other mfgs to build a product, but the product should be the same whoever built it. For instance, Rochester had Carter build some 4bbl carbs back in the late 60's early 70's since they didn't have the capabilities to meet the demand from GM. They did say Carter on them, but they use all the same parts as the Rochester and are the same carb. I hadn't heard of Weber doing that with Solex, but it's possible. I haven't seen one either

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:28 am

My 79 is clearly marked Weber. There were no Solex markings on it anywhere that I was able to see.

bandit · Post by **bandit** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 5:52 am

Hey Nickc

It's possible the guy herd that info from someone and was just
passing it down the grape vine like so many other topics and
issues thats nothing new and even on this forum from time to
time has information that isn't correct, I myself have made misteaks
on posts .

If the car is worth the money don't let a small issue like that keep
you from purchasing it ! maybe try http://www.carfaw.com and see what
you could find on the car ? http://www.carfax.com (this is the main
page )

Daniel

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:41 am

I checked out that site Daniel, pretty funny with a pic of a Spitfire alongside the road with its' hood up! What Spitfire hasn't had a roadside failure?

nickc · Post by **nickc** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:04 am

Thanks for all the responses. I think that the guy was probably just throwing out some names to try to impress me; after all, he did tell me that he works for Ferrari. I was actually hoping that it was true and that the guy had changed out the carb and manifold.

Another question: is the trottle cable the same as the choke cable. This guy claims he has a cable that he adjusts the carb. fuel intake with. According to the specs. I see the '79 had an automatic choke - so what's the cable? UNLESS, someone did change that carb afterall!!

Hey spidernut, car is niiiiiice. Never seen a Fiat Corvette before - creative idea.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:47 am

the throttle cable opens the throttle, not the same as a manual choke. But the 79s didn't have a throttle cable, just the early cars. Even if he did swap an early carb on, the throttle cable merely opens the throttle plate, just like stepping on the gas pedal

nickc · Post by **nickc** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:32 pm

Thanks Mark. Well between these questions and my wife's nagging, I let the car go. If anyone is interested, the car is up on ebay (Item number: 120060563386). Sorry, don't know how to put up a link. Still curious, though, so if anyone checks it out and has some input, please let me know. Thanks again for all comments. I guess I can wait another year