Who would have thought in...
Who would have thought in this day and age of electronic fuel injection that there would be new 97s, but here they are. While they look absolutely original, there are a number of internal improvements. (Stromberg Ltd.)
There are some things in life that seem like they will live on forever. And while there are a few we could probably do without-"I Love Lucy" reruns and Brennan's stories about the '74 Street Rod Nationals spring to mind-there are others, such as Stromberg 97 carburetors, that some of us would be lost without.
While Stromberg produced carburetors for a variety of manufacturers, the two-barrels most hot rodders are familiar with first appeared on 85hp Ford Flatheads in '34 with the model 40; the model 48 was introduced in '35 (the preceding were both rated at 170 cfm); and from '36 to early '38, 97s were installed (155 cfm), model 81s (125 cfm) were used on the V8-60s, and the LZs (160 cfm) were found on the Lincoln V-12s. Along with the units that were plopped on top of Flatheads at the Ford factory, Type I Stromberg 97s were manufactured by Bendix in South Bend, Indiana, as replacements for Holley 94s; most of these have the 97 logo. Replacement versions, designated the Type II, were manufactured by Bendix in Elmyra, New York, and have a 1-1 logo.
Overhaul kits are available...
Overhaul kits are available from a number of sources for those who have rebuildable, original Strombergs. Complete kits include gaskets, needle and seat, power valve, and accelerator pump. (Speedway Motors)
Of all the Stromberg carburetors that shared the same basic design, the 97 became the performance carburetor of choice. There were quite a few reasons for its popularity with hot rodders (not the least of which was the fact that 97s were plentiful and cheap). From a performance standpoint, multiple Strombergs worked well, and the jets were easy to change so tuning was simple. But while well regarded, these mixers certainly weren't perfect. The needles and seats were prone to sticking and leaking if too much fuel pressure was applied, resulting in fuel leaks and the engine running rich. Typically, the ham-fisted method of addressing those problems was to over-tighten the cover screws to stop the leaks (which simply served to warp the mating surface or strip the threads) or to bludgeon the float bowl area with whatever heavy object was handy in an attempt to free a float. This didn't solve the problem either, and only made the carburetor look like a gunnysack full of walnuts.
The new Strombergs are beautiful,...
The new Strombergs are beautiful, and given the price of cores and the cost of having them overhauled and cosmetically restored, these new versions are realistically priced at less than five bills each. (Stromberg Ltd.)
Certainly the carburetor casualty list was long due to mistreatment, but many received ill-advised modifications, like drilling out the passages for use with alcohol or nitro, that could make a good carburetor into a great doorstop. The net result is that good, rebuildable 97 cores are becoming more expensive today. However, there are a number of sources for kits, parts, and rebuilding services (check the source box) if you do find yourself the proud owner of rebuildable Strombergs. But if you want to top your street rod's engine with one or a bunch of 97s and can't come up with them, don't despair because they're available new.
After years of rumors, the Stromberg Carburetor Ltd. of England is producing new 97s and parts. The new carburetors combine the early style cast-iron base with the later Stromberg-style circuits for improved off-idle response, and they wear a big 97 logo. Like the originals, they come with 0.045-inch main jets and a number 65-power valve. There are also a variety of improvements, including a new air horn design with extra material around the float bowl lid to help prevent warping and the leaks that result, and a new, no-stick S-Jet inlet valve. The finish is correct pale lemon chromate with iridescent highlights and the bases have a black Parkerized/lacquered finish. The first batch of new 97s has been delivered, and while there have been some supply interruptions, we're told that is being handled and more are on the way.
If you now have new or used Strombergs on your street rod, or if there are some in its future, here are some sources for parts and services that should be helpful, along with a couple installation tips. Since there may be more than one source for the following pieces pictured, we've identified the specific suppliers of those shown at the end of those captions. With all this cool stuff available, Strombergs just may live forever.
 All the necessary screws are...  All the necessary screws are available in kit form to replace the often damaged or incorrect fasteners found on vintage carburetors. These shown here are stainless steel. (Speedway Motors) |  Used throttle shafts are often...  Used throttle shafts are often worn, which can cause vacuum leaks, and in many cases the throttle linkage for multiple Strombergs attaches to the left side of the carburetors, necessitating longer-than-stock throttle shafts. Both standard and extended shafts are available in standard size and oversize. |  Stromberg fuel line fittings...  Stromberg fuel line fittings are unique in that they are part of the seat assembly and require a special fitting. The adapter shown here allows the use of an AN fitting. (Speedway Motors) |
 The fixed-length, accelerator...  The fixed-length, accelerator pump rods are also often damaged or missing. There's no substitute for these, as the unique ends are spring loaded and fit over balls on the linkage. (Speedway Motors) |  Worn bases/throttle shafts...  Worn bases/throttle shafts can hamper performance. New stock-style replacements are available as well as a version without idle circuits for use in multiple-carburetor applications. (Speedway Motors) |  It can be difficult getting...  It can be difficult getting to the idle mixture adjustment screws when multiple carburetors are used; these "fat finger" replacements are much easier to get to. (The Hot Rod Company) |
 Phenolic carb spacers act...  Phenolic carb spacers act as insulators and are often the cure for fuel percolation problems. They fit all three-bolt Strombergs, Holley, and Ford carburetors. (Speedway Motors) |  These beautiful banjo fittings...  These beautiful banjo fittings replace the originalstyle needle and seat. They swivel for alignment and are available in dual- or single-barb configuration for multiple-carb installations. (Dick Crawford Designing) |  One of the reasons for the...  One of the reasons for the Stromberg's popularity is ease of tuning. Jets are easily accessible by removing the two plugs below the float bowl (the power valve is under the center plug). |
 Generally when two carburetors...  Generally when two carburetors are used they are hooked directly together. This unique type of linkage connects to the original throttle arms and does not require extended shafts. (Speedway Motors) |  If you prefer to use hose...  If you prefer to use hose as a means of delivering fuel to the carburetor, fittings with hose barbs and the correct seat and threads for the inlet are available. (The Hot Rod Company) |  Progressive linkage on three-twos...  Progressive linkage on three-twos allows the engine to run on the center carburetor until 1/2 to 2/3 throttle, with all reaching wide open together. This type of linkage requires extended throttle shafts. (The Hot Rod Company) |
 Strombergs need a clean fuel...  Strombergs need a clean fuel supply; this old-school Fram HPG-1 has a large paper filter and also serves as a water trap. Note the adjustable fuel pressure regulator-it's set at 2 1/2 psi. |  Adjusting multiple carburetors...  Adjusting multiple carburetors can be done quickly and accurately with a device called a Uni-Syn. (Speedway Motors) |  There are a host of air cleaners...  There are a host of air cleaners available for Strombergs; this collection is from Speedway. |
 |  |  |
 |  The name Edmunds has appeared...  The name Edmunds has appeared on many different kinds of speed equipment over the years. These reproduction air cleaners are available with mesh screens or K&N filters.(O'Brien Truckers) |  |