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Sunbeam Alpine 3 ... New to me

Regarding the carbs ... yes, having Zeniths in my car, considering my VIN and Engine # (which are the same) just tells me that the Engine # when they starting putting in Solex carbs is approximate.

Welcome,

On the "Home" page, under the "Tech Data" link, is a link for "Changes in Production"

The exact VIN for the change to the Solex carb is listed. Here is part of that list.

What are the numbers stamped on the tops of your carbs?

Hope this is helpful,

1963


B9119956 – Last Series II produced. 02/08/63


B9200000 – First Series 3 produced. 01/21/63


B9204718 – Single twin choke Solex carburettor replaces the twin Zeniths.


B9205864 – Last Series 3 produced. 10/18/63


B9400000 – First Series IV produced. 10/27/63
 
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Right, I backwards spoke ... using up IV parts by putting them into a Series 3 makes no sense ... even to me :)
I think that I meant that they were using up Series 3 parts and when they ran out at the end of Series 3 production they used Series IV parts.
Regarding the carbs ... yes, having Zeniths in my car, considering my VIN and Engine # (which are the same) just tells me that the Engine # when they starting putting in Solex carbs is approximate.
The switch to single carbs was a lot earlier than your vin. I suspect more likely someone has swapped the carbs onto the motor.

Personally I prefer twin carbs, just zeniths arent the best served for parts

Ask @bernd_st for help with the Zeniths
 
A number of different (standard) Rootes Carburettor set ups are shown in this video. It is well worth a watch. As far as this specific car is concerned, unless you want to keep it standard the best thing that you could do for it would be to dump those carbs. Then fit a twin choke Weber on the curved manifold that Alpine Innovations supply. It is known as 'The Club Weber Carb set-up" and it will make the car an everyday driver and an absolute pleasure to own.
Tim R

 
The switch to single carbs was a lot earlier than your vin. I suspect more likely someone has swapped the carbs onto the motor.

Personally I prefer twin carbs, just zeniths arent the best served for parts

Ask @bernd_st for help with the Zeniths
But the switch to single carbs was just 4 weeks prior to the build of my car. Was the date of carb switch absolute? Is it impossible that my car left the factory with Zeniths?
 
Is it impossible that my car left the factory with Zeniths?

BLAIRD,

Probably. It's certain the style of carbs on the manifold didn't leave the factory on a s3. The WIP-2 style were discontinued during sII production.

Please contact the Rootes Archive Trust to have them search the factory records for your car's information.


YMMV,
 
I personally prefer twin carbs on the cars.. they look better and once set right are generally fine.
You can use the later series V style twin Stromberg CD150 or use that manifold and adapt for twin SU.

However, given you are RHD you can more easily fit twin DCOE Weber's than LHD cars.. and they look, sound and go better than any other setup... But I'm bias.. that's where i went after removing the twin Zeniths.

 
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parts list says that they did indeed come from a Series 1

If you like your carbs, you have the tools, skills, and patience to keep everything in tune, the linkage isn't binding, and they aren't exhibiting issues due to worn parts, then keep on driving them. Just depends on your goals.

I agree with Michael, the twins look better.

All that said, your carbs might still have a story behind them. The surface finish is nice for 60+ year old carbs, and the screw slots don't appear well abused. About a decade or so ago, there were some sets of NOS carbs that became available. I would think your carbs to be one of those sets a better possibility, but no proof - no pudding.

Keep driving what you've got till there's no fun - then fix it till the fun is back.
 
36WIP 2 1046674 - which based on parts list says that they did indeed come from a Series 1 or 2? Perhaps a Weber is in my future.
Definitely SI only, means jetted for a 1494cc engine. So very obvius that somebody dropped your Solex in favour of an early Zenith dual set. A very wise move, even though there could be better/later Zenith dual options. However should work fine in your application for every day use as long as the carbs are clean inside & in reasonable condition...
 
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Hey Michael, here are some photos. Please let me know what you think. I expect that further photos would be helpful as well (perhaps of the underside)?
As for the mystery of the extra light beside the glovebox ... it's actually just a blank for the optional cigarette lighter. My car also does not have the optional clock, Ammeter or Radio. (my wife would love me to find an install those bits to make it whole)
The paint seems too fresh to not have been re-done at some point (which is understandable).
Beautiful day today ... managed to get in a 110km round trip to an antique market with the top down.
So, if you want to be a hero with your wife, I can set you up with every one of those elusive options. Mark ..... volvoguys@comcast.net
 
So, if you want to be a hero with your wife, I can set you up with every one of those elusive options. Mark ..... volvoguys@comcast.net
Mark, I may consider that some time next year.
For now I have to prepare for winter storage, and plan some maintenance for the spring while I pour over the shop manual, parts list and discussions on this forum.
 
On the carbs, I would add this as well. The problem with so many carbs these days is that their throttle shafts/bushings are worn and they leak in air. "Nicer carbs" with worn throttle shafts/bushings are worse than "lesser carbs" with tight shafts/bushings. I have always thought those early Zeniths look the coolest (ok, other than the DCOE Webers). So if they are tight, I'd strongly suggest just keeping them.

Note also that another negative is putting on fancy carbs is often that they are too big for the engine. That could be good for high revving, especially if paired with a more aggressive cam. But that is not always good for around town.

(Full disclosure, I have a bigger Alpine engine, with hot cam, and dual DCOE Webers, and I wouldn't part with them for anything. However, its a pricy path to go down and an overdrive may have a bigger impact on the overall enjoyment of the car.)
 
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