differences in early 32 mm solex single barrel manifolds

[Michael Foster]

When did Porsche go from the early 32 mm solex manifolds with bolt on balance tubes go to the cast in place balance tube in the manifold?

Anybody know?

Michael Foster

[Alan Hall]

The change was with the 356A I think, although it might have been with the three piece case engine. Owners of '55 cars hopefully will chime in.

[George Walling]

Michael, I have a 55 Speedster 1500N engine with the solex 32's I will check and see it is chassi number 80681 not sure the build date. I'm away from the shop right now but will be there late today.

Gerge

[George Walling]

Michael, My 55 speedster 1500N engine # 35253 has the casted balance tube manifolds, I bought the car in 1965 and these were on the engine then so I'm sure this is the correct manifolds for this engine. Oh my engine is also a 3 piece case. From what I've seen also for the 32 carbs there was 2 style of casted balance tube manifolds, which are the same except for the way the balance tube is casted one is heavier than the other. Hope this helps.
George

[James Davies]

The Solex 32 intake manifold change happened with the introduction of the 1600 engine in late 1955. The 1600 had a new balance tube design to work with the new manifolds.

[Michael Foster]

Sounds like the bolted on balance tubes on early 32 mm solex single barrel manifolds is definitely a Pre A thing, possibly ending with the 3 piece case?

Michael

[George Walling]

Michael, What engine are you dealing with?
George

[James Davies]

The early manifolds were used on the 1955 type 546/2 and 506/2 3-piece cases. So yes, a pre-A thing, though I believe the pre-A Speedsters with the 1600 motors built at the end of 1955 used the later 1600 manifolds as they had the later 32 PBIC carbs instead of the earlier 32 PBI carbs. That's why I said it was a 1300/1500 vs 1600 engine change.