Thread: 1964 Series 2A

Strombergs were a popular swap out for earlier engines with Solex carbs, I think for a few reasons. First, they were readily available in Australia having been fitted to many Holden models in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but also because they were a direct fit the Series manifold (compared to the Zenith carbs that were fitted to later Series, which required an adapter flange to rotate the carb 45 degrees to line up with the linkages).

Cheers, Matt

Yes drfish is totally correct.
I did the same with my 2A. However, I found that the motor didn’t like it too much when I went up in the high country, especially in altitude, it played up, it also froze in winter, so I changed it back to the solex. But then again I am not one to really change things very much from standard unless there is a very good reason. Where as some people will change things, just for changing them or because ‘they know better than the engineers who designed and built it’

As above - (except that the Zenith adapter turns it 90 degrees not 45).

Stromberg carburettors were dirt cheap, readily available, and worked, and what's more, were understood both by all mechanics and most owners. The operation of the Solex carburettor is harder to understand, and being less common, was a mystery to many mechanics and most owners. and a second hand Stromberg from a wrecker was cheaper than an overhaul kit for a Solex - if you could find one. (in the 1950-60s the only car parts you could get off the shelf away from the cities would be Holden and Landrover - by the 1970s it was only Holden. These days you are lucky to get anything off the shelf, but most places will be able to get you parts by next day (or two), provided there are not supply chain issues. [This is a bit of an exaggeration])

The Stromberg generally works, but is not ideal, and you are likely to be down a bit on power and up a bit on fuel consumption. But the major issue, if using the Landrover as designed, is that the Stromberg does not like steep slopes. A further issue is that because of bonnet clearance and a different inlet diameter, most conversions use a Holden aircleaner rather than the Rover one. This is not designed for offroad use and is likely to either clog up in dusty conditions (and need frequent replacement) or to let dust into the engine, shortening its life. Or both.

Thanks, what is the original carby that was on these vehicles when manufactured. I would like to keep it original if possible.

I believe they were a SOLEX, not sure what exact model though.

1964 would have had the Solex PA10-5 or PA10-6 carburettor. If a later model or the engine from a later model, Zenith 36IV. Except for the need of an adapter as noted above for the Zenith, the two are pretty much interchangeable, although in my experience the Zenith is more troublesome than the Solex, albeit easier to understand and get parts for.