Solex for Zenith?

[C. Clark]

Hello,
Can Solex 40 PII-4 and manifolds from a 69, 912 be installed on a 63, 356 normal with Zenith 32's? If so is there a clear advantage to the change?
Thank you,
Chas.
356
912

[914Ghost]

Chas-
I did it on my 60' S-90. Had Zeniths, swapped to Solex's.
2 things:
1) the upright "side" pieces of tin on your car- the ones that have the spark plug holes in them- are different. You should get the 912 pieces, there 4 on the 912 and two on the 356 zenith carb'd engines. They basically cut them in half to make them fit on the later cars.
2) the intake ports in your heads are probably smaller than the holes in the bottom of the intakes of the solex manifolds. Maybe not, but probably. It didn't bother me, I bolted the carbs on and noticed quite a difference- best to have the ports the same size, but life is short! The difference in port size will do NO damage at all. Just affects air-flow and that stuff.

Bob O

[Deschodt]

Is there any reason to do this other than availability ? I has zeniths on another 356 and they were much less troublesome than my current Solexes ! Then again could just be carb condition...

[C. Clark]

I was just curious, yes I have the Solex carbs, and they are in need of complete re-build. I run Webers on my 912 and have been happy with them so far, 2 years and counting. Recently on the 912 site we had a spirited discussion on the merits of Weber vs Solex. Since the price of Webers has increased and I have the Solex carbs I have considered having them re-done at BIEKER ENGINEERING, they have a good reputation and are relatively close. Perhaps I should give the Solexs another look. The Zeniths are fine, I guess I'm just trying to get another few horses out of the engine. Thanks Ghost for the info, you gave me the answers I was looking for.
Chas.
356
912

[rosntom]

I have a 356SC that is in line for some work, but I am now working on my wife's 66 912. I have had Webers on it for a while. I put them on, as at the time, the Webers were less expensive than a Solex rebuild. I want to go back to The Solex carbs as they are better carbs than the 40IDFs. I recently sent both my 356 and my wife's 912 Solex carbs to Harry Bieker for rebuilding. He did an incredible job! Bieker has been in this business for a long, long time and is as knowledgeable on the old cars as one can be. He is a terrific guy to work with and I learn a lot every time I talk to hiim.

[Carrera2]

I believe that the Webers seem to operate better as a replacement on cars that have had the 1720cc kits done.

When restoring mine, I was advised to keep the Solexes as they would be fine on the Standard motor.

A friend has had 1st - Zeniths then 2nd - Webers & Finally 3rd Solexes.

I am of the opinion that the Solexes are a fine Carb option providing that they are in good condition and don't have any Shaft-play etc.....

Plus, I like the original look!!! Webers are a great Carby, as longs as they are set up properly.

My 2c, ker-plunk

[rosntom]

C Clark. I have attached a picture of one of my Solex carbs that Bieker Engineering did. These carbs had been sitting in my garage for about 20 years and they looked terrible! When they were returned to me, I couldn't believe that they were mine!! Harry Bieker's work goes way beyond repair. The price isn't bargain basement, but then neither is the work. These are perfect. Also, the price is significantly less than a new set of Webers.

[Soterik]

I am considering having mine rebuilt.....what does Bieker charge? I am aware of his work, having met him at Gary Emory's....

Thanks,
Eric
Seattle, WA
56 Speedster

[Deschodt]

>56 Speedster
67 911S RGruppe w/2.7 twin plug
67 911S soft window targa
67 911S project
67 911S major project
69 911S targa w/2.7
71 911E targa 43K original
73 911S targa RGruppe project


Man.. Do you really own all those cars ? And I cannot find a decent 72/73 911 coupé anywhere... Where's the justice ;-) What am I doing wrong ?

[Soterik]

Most of those cars were bought over 3 years ago.......it was a lot easier then.

And yes, I do own them all! Recently sold a 59A coupe show car, and a 70T "driver".

Keep looking "diligently"! Be the first guy to read the paper everymorning....find out where the Auto Trader gets to first, always have a $1,000 cash in your desk drawer for a deposit. Always ask to be the first guy to see the car, tell them you have cash etc. etc.

I passed on a beautiful 72E sunroof coupe 2 weeks ago due to some very very minor rust in one of the fenders....price was $18,500, stunning car otherwise. Car was sold back to a previous owner....

Negotiating on a C coupe "outlaw" car right now...it's unfinished with a LOT of money dumped into it.....looking at .40 cents on the dollar right now, hope I get it!

Regards,
Eric

[C. Clark]

When I contacted him on price I got the impression it starts at around $500.00 a set but can go more.....
Chas.
356
912