Carburetor replacement for A 454

[Stoned Crow]

Hey all,

I have a big block 454 in my 1974 Champion.  The 454 was rebuilt about 2 yrs ago.  My brother-in-law took a look at my carburetor two weeks ago and he said at a minimum, it needs to be rebuilt (they must have ignored the carb when they redid  the engine.)

My question is, the current carb is  Rochester Quadra-Jet,  are there better carbs out there that work with the 454 better than the Quadra-Jet?  I don't know jack about carbs, so I'm stuck  with  rebuilding  the  Quadra-Jet  or is my money better spent buying a brand new carb?

Thanks for the help,

SC

[4winds]

Personally I love the Edelbrock performer series.  Never had any trouble with one.  Ed

[Oz]

Personally, I agree with Ed.  But, you'll find just as many folks happy with Holly carburetors as well.

With an Edelbrock, for performance, the 750cfm is the way to go.  For economy, 600cfm.  It all depends on which your preference is.

[tiinytina]

I'll be a third on that train! We put an Edelbrock Quadrajet.in spring of 06 and have had no issues since. 
Tina

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Just stay away from Holley rebuilds.  They do a horrible job and don't stand behind thier product.  Edlebrock rebuilds are good and a drop-in replacement.  Edlebrock also makes a replacement carb, 750cfm, that is tuned for power AND economy, designed specifically for big blocks like the 454.  If you go that route you'll need an adapter plate and whatnot as well so it fits on the manifold.

Kev

[Stoned Crow]

Thanks for the replies and pointing me in the right direction, everyone.  After I do some research, I'll let you know how it all worked out.

SC

[fgutie35]

I will save all that money, and just buy a carburator kit for your Rochester. If you have either model# E4MED or EM4MEF (HD emission) which more than likely it is, those carbs go as much as 800cfm's, depending on the engine needs. The kit comes with instructions and adjusment procedures. Is the difference between $47.00 and $540.00.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Only if you are good and comfortable with rebuilding carbs, and remember that while the Quadrajet is an awesome carburator, it is also the most complicated and difficult to rebuild...and you have to get it EXACT when you rebuild it or you run into horrible issues like secondaries not opening, flooding, and metering rods opening or not opening when they aren't supposed to. 

A great option that will cost you about half as much as new but still assure you of a quality rebuild is to remove the carburator and take it to a quality speed shop or garage that still knows how to work on muscle cars and carbs.  Just get assurances from the garage or shop that they will revisit their work once you reinstall it for fine tuning and making sure its right.

Kev