440 Thermoquad carburetor replacement advice?

[cosmic]

well I just got back from holidays for a week and my mechanic was rebuilding my carb for me. It was to my surprise when I returned my rig was not ready to go.
the plastic body has been cracked all around where the jets were screwed in and the tube that runs into the primary also had some epoxy around it. also there was swelling and hair line cracks around primary and secondary holes with some swelling and bulging.
It turns out that I have the carb from what dave says is from California. 9036s is stamped on it.
now to find out they want $200 for a new plastic base.
my mechanic friend say I need to replace the plastic or throw it   out because when he put it back together with the new carb kit it still was leaking fuel where it shouldn't.
It was his suggestion to put a new quadrajet on it.
any thoughts as to what I can do here? I don't see a point in spending 200 on that plastic body if another more dependable carb will do a better job. my main objective is fuel mileage.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Most replace the Thermoquad with a Edelbrock 750CFM (1407)  Use search feature

Other option is to locate a used or rebuilt Thermoquad
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=Thermoquad&_sop=16

Only other help I can offer is the this write up:
http://www.ihpartsamerica.com/forums/16927-post13.html

Dave

[ClydesdaleKevin]

We are having great luck with the Edlebrock 1411.  Granted we have a 454, but the displacement isn't all that bigger than your 440.  And you won't even need the adapter plate like we had to use since yours in a Dodge motor and it will bolt right in place.  The 1411 is basically the same as the 1407, but jetted and tuned for better fuel economy with no sacrifice in power.

Kev

[thisoldhippy]

I replaced the thermo on my 79 440 with the 1411 and have been very happy with it! Actually picked up about 1/2-1 mile to the gallon! 

[bluebird]

I've used a Quadrajet on a 360 Dodge before with very good results. I had a 82 ramcharger that I built a 360 for and put a metal thermoquad on it, could never get it right. When and got one off of chevy 350 in the bone yard, rebuilt it. It served me very well for a few years. If your mechanic has means for a quadrajet, I'd let him do it. I wouldn't however use one of these so called rebuilt ones from the parts suppliers.

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

You can also get a lot of Thermoquad parts through NAPA Auto Parts.  Like converting from plastic to brass floats.

Dave

[cosmic]

brass was already ordered.    never need to change again. I have a suspicion that they may be brass already but ordered them for 16 dollars just to be on the safe side.

[Oz]

I had the Edelbrock 1406(?) - It is now the "Thunder Carb" series (750cfm).  Yup, it sure did thunder.  Focus on power.  I thundered from one gas station to the next at impressive speeds and nearly oblivious to inclines.  Loved the carb.  Simple install, has the least adjustments of all the carbs and very reliable.  I got 6mpg.

I believe the series which is less cruel on fuel is called the "Economizer". 

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

If you have not seen it, here is a good write up on rebuilding a Thermoquad.
http://www.ihpartsamerica.com/forums/carb-tech/1390-carter-thermoquad-spreadbore-stuff.html

Dave