Weber carb set

[Steyn]

This isn't another "What should I ask for..." post, more of a "Is this a bad deal..." (for me, that is). I have a pair of 40 DCOE 31 carbs (real, not Chinese) surplus to requirements, for which someone is offering to trade me an engine worth no more than US$440. That seems a bit low for a pair of genuine Webers listed as OE for an Escort Twin Cam. Anyone care to share an opinion?

 

[DrEntropy]

If I still had my Lotus Cortina Mk-I, I'd likely offer you $400 APIECE for those carbs, no questions asked! Troll some marque-specific sites to get a realistic evaluation.

 

[waltesefalcon]

That's a terrible deal. Walk away.

 

[Steyn]

If I still had my Lotus Cortina Mk-I, I'd likely offer you $400 APIECE for those carbs, no questions asked! Troll some marque-specific sites to get a realistic evaluation.

I'm sure if someone were to invest in some tuning parts, the same carbs would be applicable to a number of cars in the 2-liter range. These were originally part of a triple set that the PO assembled to use on a Volvo. Changed his plans and kept the odd one out for another car, and I picked up the rest of it some years ago, part of a package deal to get the manifold.

 

[Steyn]

That's a terrible deal. Walk away.

I suspected as much, especially where they're gen-yoo-wine Eye-talian Webers. I'll probably just put them up for sale and then use the money to finance the engine plus parts. Thanks.

 

[Bayless]

Good decision, IMHO.

 

[Steyn]

Just to follow up, I've had very little response outside of this forum, but did get some advice from people in the U.K. Why the eBay uk listings never showed up in my google searches, I have no idea, but they've been quite helpful. I'm so glad I took the time to ask before proceeding (before losing my shirt!) with his offer.

There are a number of twin Weber sets for sale on eBay uk, but very little in the way of 40 DCOE 31's. Everything I've seen so far has been thoroughly ultrasonically-cleaned, chemically-dipped, and/or soda-blasted, and the steel parts wire brushed, but the close-ups still show considerable fine pitting, so they were significantly corroded to begin with. (One pair actually had the exact model numbers "cleaned" off, possibly just over-zealous refinishing, but...) The prices are firmly in the £500-700 range for a pair, which is right in line with the US$400 apiece DrEntropy suggested, and mine are as-removed, original and unmolested, which is what I'd prefer myself if I were buying used carbs. I think I'm going to put them up at that range and just use the cash to fund my engine project.

Thanks to all who clocked in to prevent me making a costly mistake!

 

[DrEntropy]

mine are as-removed, original and unmolested, which is what I'd prefer myself if I were buying used carbs.

You may need to PM the fella TomMull in our Lotus Forum, looking for a set for his Elan!!