VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER Chevrolet Speedsters Carter BB-1

Does anyone have experience using a Carter BB-1 updraft on the Chevy Four? I've heard it was a popular replacement in the era, and remains popular with Great Race participants today.

I'm in need of a carburetor (my '28 engine came without one, as the previous owner had harvested a rare Model A Ford updraft off it), and a friend has a COE Chevy truck that may have a BB-1 on it.

Conversely, does anybody really like the OE Carter? I haven't heard much good about these except that they are correct.

-Dave

A friend of mine uses John Deere tractor updraft carbs on all of his Great American Race cars. You might look into that as an option. The BB-1 ; from what I understand; was a popular replacement updraft carb that came with an adapter flange to allow you to mount in almost any updraft mounting configuration.

The vast majority of '28s that are on VCCA tours use the original Carter RAKX-0 carburetors. I have them on all three of my '28s. They run fine. Several others run other carburetors including a few downdraft conversions. In general they have more trouble with them vs the originals. Have not noticed an advantage on the mountain grades for the downdrafts as I can keep up or even pass some of them.

Have never tried a BB-1 but suspect that they will tend to run a little lean on a stock engine. On race prepared engines it likely is a different story as they are set up for more fuel and hp.