Weber 38 IDF's?

[Christian Guthrie]

A while back I asked a question about 48 IDA's as I thought that's what were on the engine in the car I purchased. Thanks to a list member who noted they did not look like IDA's, I now have finally pulled one of the carbs off. The carbs are actualy Weber 38 IDF's, made in Italy accordiing to the tag. However, I can't find any info. on them? I know they are not original but I am intrigued none the less. Any info. would be appreciated and Merry Christmas!

[C J Murray]

I don't know what Weber made in the old days but today there are 40IDFs and 44IDFs. The venturis can be changed to a number of different sizes including 38mm. They are marked and that can be read by looking into the carb from the top. To measure the carb body size measure the hole in the bottom of the carb. 38mm=38IDF(?), 40mm=40IDF, 44mm=44IDF. Service information will be the same with all IDFs. Parts are available from Weber Direct or Redline. Merry Christmas.

[Christian Guthrie]

Thanks Cliff-
These read 38 IDf on the carb body tag and have 35mm Venturis.
Merry Christmas!
Christian

[Alan Klingen]

The number usually refers to the diameter of the butterfly and 38 is not a normal size. If they are truely a 38 they might have been made for some special purpose application. Many times the body is cast with a standard mold venturi's from a 40 and up might fit. What is the venturi size?

Alan

[Christian Guthrie]

Thanks Alan-
The venturi has a 35 marked on it. Here are a few pics. for clarification.

[Christian Guthrie]

Another picture

[Christian Guthrie]

One last one

[C J Murray]

Christian- Those are the very early sand cast IDFs that are referred to in Passini's Weber book. They are very different from the cast carbs that have been sold since the '60s. They may have quite a bit of value to the right person.

[Christian Guthrie]

Thanks Cliff! The first bit of info. so far. I will check into the Weber book.

[Alan Klingen]

Those look like they might have a high value for the specific motor they were designed for. As a sub. I would go for a good set of solid shaft Solexes or a good set of 40 mm Dellorto's.

Alan

[C J Murray]

Christian- There is very little out there about your carbs. Notice how low your serial numbers are? Good chance they didn't make many.

I found this online...
http://www.race-cars.com/partbd/messages/21037.htm
This ad is from one of the Registry posters.

Also found a link to the Pelican board and another to vintageweber.com contact chris@vintageweber.com

You must tell us how this progresses, please. I think that they are the last two items needed to complete the restoration of the Le Mans winning 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa that was driven by Fangio and Moss in a grueling battle where the team mates went faster and faster to claim fastest lap honors and prove once and for all which driver was king. After the race Fangio went to Africa and saved thousands of children from disease and Moss went to the Riviera to enjoy the company of a record number of young lovelies. Those were the days!

[C J Murray]

Did you ever find out what they were intended for?

[Dick Weiss]

You're right about not many 38 IDF's were made(?).
I went thru my Weber manuals (by John Passini w/dates of 1968 & 1973) and neither show any 38 IDF's listed.

Dick

[Christian Guthrie]

I called a few people who are serious Weber experts. They can not find any reference to these. However, I learned that back in the day, Weber would make anything a customer requested, hence the 38 IDF. The shop has a small display case of carbs that don't exist. One suggestion was they were made for a formula 2 engine or another type race engine to meet the rule requirements. Thanks for all the inquiries, it was a fun fact finding adventure.
By the way, I am not currently running these on my engine. I am currently running a set of 40 Dell's on my 63' and my 55' Super engine, which these came off of, I will be running a set of 40 PBIC's I have. Thanks again for all of the help.