Carb Help!

[Phstratton]

So as most of you know I have an 81 corvette that sits too much lol. I'd like to get it running as my DD so that I can use my camaro as more of a weekend car. I've been told one of the things it needs is a decent carb because the one on it is junk apparently. I, however, know very little about carbs so I don't really know what to buy.

Here is what "I" am looking for in a carb:
-Fairly Reliable
-Will bolt on and run out of the box w/o much adjustment

I know I'll have to buy a new intake as well, so I'm prepared to throw down some cash. I just don't know what to buy!!! Help

[R Pope]

Shouldn't need a new manifold. Just get a replacement carb that bolts right on.

[rumrumm]

X2. A replacement carb is what you want.

[Phstratton]

So you don't think I need a holley or edelbrock one?

[rumrumm]

For what you want--reliable, bolt-on, little or no adjustments--a replacement carb is your best bet. Anything else fails to meet your criteria.

[glennsexton]

1981 would probably be a computer controlled Q-Jet. Does it look like this? If so, your local NAPA should be able to help you out.. If they cannot, follow this link
http://www.guaranteedcarburetors.com...&key=CH48T4477
They stock the 4EME for about $220.

Good Luck

[ojh]

Get an adapter to bolt on a 600cfm edelbrock with electric choke. Just check for hood clearance issues, the adapter is about 3/4" or so and the edelbrock is same ht as quadrajet. In a pinch edelbrock makes a Q-jet replacement so you wouldn't nned the spacer - i've never had bad luck with them just limited experience and the regular edelbrock have been made by the multimillion and they git the bugs all worked out for sure.

[glennsexton]

I'm a big fan of Edelbrock carbs - but they tend to run rich out of the box (and I've done a lot of them - 1405, 1406, 1407, 1411, 1805, 1806, etc..) especially on stock or semi-stock 350 GM applications. I've done the rods and jets so many times and usually have the "right ones" (as well as new gaskets) at hand so it's not a hassle for me however:

The Q-Jet is (in my opinion) the best factory carb every placed on a GM engine and a quality replacement will not only be less money that a "non-stock" but should be literally a bolt-on and go project, i.e., no linkage or fuel line adjustments modifications, etc..

I've yet to be dissatisfied with a well tuned Q-jet, especially in in stock applications. Small primaries and monster secondaries are a tough combination to beat for daily drivability and I still like the awesome sound when they come to life!

Again - my opinion
Glenn

[techinspector1]

If you want to bolt it on and drive, call up Cliff Ruggles and have him build a Quadrajet for you. He is the maestro. Don't expect to buy one for 2 or 3 hundred dollars though.
http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/

[jyardgirl]

tech i really like your signature.

[techinspector1]

Thanks for your comment Barb. It really is how I feel. I am disillusioned, disappointed and in disbelief that the world could be so upside down from what I believe to be the vision that our Creator had for us.

[glennsexton]

You're not alone Tech - gotta keep "lookin' up" and remember to be grateful for the things I do have - great wife of 38 years, four wonderful kids, five grand kids and pretty darn good health. I too am really frustrated with where this world (in particular my own country!) is going...

Really like this site and the good exchanges (most of the time) -a lot of kindred spirits here and I find most hot rodders to be a cut above the average in most places.

Always appreciate your input Tech and I look forward to your insight and wisdom.

Sorry for the hijack - but hey, we just a bunch of friends having a chat, eh?

Regards All,
Glenn

[Mr Blue]

PHstratton,
Your carb question is a good one. I have a mutitude of different carbs on my various v8 contraptions.
My t bucket has 2 Edelbrock 500 cfms on a dual quad manifold, my boat has twin 350 chevys with quadrajets on each engine.

With my boat I could have put an adapter on for a Holley marine carbs or Edelbrock for that matter but I chose to stick with what the factory put on her, Quadrajets. I love looking down in the bilge and seeing a fair representation of what the factory had in mind for the engine. I put rebuilt quadrajets on both engines in my boat and they perform flawlessly. Nice to have all the factory linkage hook up correctly too. When I hit the throttles those huge secondaries open and perform and sound great.

If it were me I would put a rebuilt Quadrajet on there and enjoy the power. My two cents. Don Jr.