carburetion · FF-0466

Why does a supercharged Flathead need a richer carburetor?

Steve says the engine was a little lean on the top end with just the four barrel, and the collective wisdom is that with a supercharger it will need more fuel, especially on top. It is better to go rich than lean: if it is overjetted you can always go back. He says supercharged Flatheads always make more power a little rich, and the engine they tested in January had black smoke rolling out the back but made good power.

Expert

Steve Coppock

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

air-fuel mixture

Applicable scope

Steve Coppock's supercharged ARDUN overhead valve Flathead, 8BA block, about 289 cubic inches, with a Weiand 177 on the engine dyno at Klein Engines