If you’re a gearhead who owns classic cars and loves constantly tweaking your ride, then you know how important a carburetor is. Of course, most vehicle manufacturers stopped using carburetors around the late 1980s since there’s newer, more efficient technology.
As we get farther and farther away from the carburetor era, it can become more difficult to restore, rebuild, or even replace a carburetor. But a little education and elbow grease can work wonders for your car. That’s why the Loper’s Performance team is here to break down the basics of restoring carburetor performance.
Importance of a Well-Functioning Carburetor
The carburetor is sometimes called “the heart” of a vehicle. So if the “heart” doesn’t work properly, then the rest of the car won’t either. Carburetors supply the right mixture of fuel and air to the spark-ignition engine. So, a carburetor ensures the ideal conditions are met no matter the driving conditions.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Improve Your Carburetor?
Similar to most vehicle parts, when your carburetor is failing it’s not that difficult to notice. It’s also true that carburetors can struggle more relative to other automotive components. (And this is one reason why it’s no surprise that carburetors aren’t used with newer cars.)
The biggest signs that your carburetor might need a performance restoration include:
- Poor fuel economy
- Black exhaust smoke
- Engine backfires
- Difficulty starting
How to Restore Carburetor Performance
Okay, you know the problem, but how do you fix it? What can you do to restore your carburetor’s performance?
Carburetor Size
To begin tuning your carburetor, you want to start with the size of the carburetor. Its performance depends on the airspeed that travels throughout it. If it’s too big, the air speed is reduced, and vice versa with the venturis too small. You can consult with a mechanic or speed shop to determine the right size for your vehicle.
Focus on Initial Ignition Timing
This is one of the most overlooked issues with a carburetor. Ignition timing includes fuel type, combustion chamber shape, compression ratio, and more. All of these work together to increase ignition timing, which positively affects efficiency and air velocity for the vehicle. Therefore, you want your timing to be almost perfect. Because if it’s too late, you will experience poorer starting and then troubles with drivability.
You Don’t Need to Change Jets
One of the biggest myths vehicle owners hear when it comes to tuning a carburetor is that you need to change jets to cure a rich idle setting. This is incorrect because the jets’ one purpose is to achieve the best performance at fully open throttle. Instead, you can adjust the idle current and recheck the initial ignition timing.
More Info on Carburetor Rebuilds
Another misconception when it comes to the carburetor is that a rebuild is difficult, complex, and expensive. Yet, it only requires some basic tools, a cleaner, and a carburetor kit. We have you covered with everything you need to know about a carburetor rebuild, because once you do it you’ll notice a smoother, more efficient ride.
Improve Your Vehicle with Loper’s Performance Center
Do you want to improve your carburetor? Or, are you looking for other automotive services? Either way, the experienced team at Loper’s Performance Center can take care of your ride. Contact us today for a free quote.
About Us
Looking for a shop you can trust? Then look no further than the largest speed shop in Arizona. Loper’s Performance Center has been transforming vehicles and offering performance parts since 1967. We’re proud to be your one-stop shop for everything automotive. Browse our website to learn more or read our blog to stay up to date with automotive insight and advice.