Carbs

[texasz]

Are Solex and Mikuni the same thing?

[ChrisA]

I always thought they were different companies. Mikuni's History page at their website makes no mention of Solex. Although a little digging at: www.gordon-glasgow.org/RSR_Solex.asp revealed this quote "As if all this discussion is not complicated enough, NISSAN has supplied two types of SOLEX carburetors (mainly because MIKUNI supplied them two different types).

So it looks as if maybe the two names are connected somehow. Found this quote as well "The engine developed 135 hp with the standard Hitachi-SU carburetors and 150 hp with the optional Mikuni-Solexes."

Chris

[MikeW]

A little googling found some interesting information here:

http://www.bimmers.com/02/upgrades/engine.html

[SJGREEN71]

Are Solex and Mikuni the same thing?

History can be a fascinating thing. Solex began as a French/German inspiration in 1910, and through many twists and turns of fate became the carburetor of choice for automotive manufacturers as diverse as Maybach to Volkswagen. It would appear that at some point Mikuni was granted a license to produce the Solex design in Japan, supplying carburetors to Nissan for the Datsun 2000 Roadster and early 240Z’s. Learn more about Solex here:

http://www.rheinmetall.com/index.php?lang=3&fid=1391

[texasz]

All very interesting information. Thank you to all who have provided input.

Now I suppose that the question would be 'what is the best tripple set up: Webber, Solex, or Mikuni?' This would be for a 3.1L stroker used for autox and weekend driving with a '77 5-speed and an R180 3.9 diff.

[Fun_in_my_z]

This guy in the azcc Has triple webbers on a L28 block. He Claims it makes 220 hp. But his car doesnt look like it would take that kinda horsepower.

[RIP260Z]

Now I suppose that the question would be 'what is the best tripple set up: Webber, Solex, or Mikuni?' This would be for a 3.1L stroker used for autox and weekend driving with a '77 5-speed and an R180 3.9 diff.

Texasz,

An interesting question. I am not an expert, but I have gained a bit of knowledge from looking for carbs for my 3.1 I am building. I have went for Dellortos 48mm, as they were available at the time. I don't think there is a "best" carb for a 3.1, I think its down to experience/preference of the carb guru. I think Rebello favour Mikuni for example. It all boils down to the jetting of each carb. The jets go in increments (say for more or less fuel at a particular point) and it depends on the increments. Dellortos have more increments over some areas than Webers, so it makes the fine setting of the carbs easier. But the big point is the size of carb for the engine, a set of 40's on a 3.1 is not ideal as the carbs are not quite big enough. With a 3.1 you can run either a 45mm or 48mm. In How to modify your Datsun/Nissan engine, in the carbs section, there is a formula to work out what would be an ideal carb and choke size. Though these overlap, hence why 45 or 48mm are fine.

I think any of the carbs you have mentioned are fine, with little or any diffences, as long as the carb is setup well, thats the main point.

I hope I have answered your question.

RIP260Z