440 Best Carb Replacement

[LJ-TJ]

I'm sure I'll get shoot for this post but did we ever come up with which carb would be the beast replacement carb from the stock carb on the 440. It's looking like I'm going to have to replace my carb and can't make head nor tales out of which one you chaps seem to think is the best one. Thanks  Hm?

[jkilbert]

i went with the 650cfm Edelbrock. it has alot of good points. cheap (relatively speaking), easy to work on and adjust. the point that i like the best, no gaskets below fuel level. thermo-quads, q-jets and even holleys have either a base gasket below the fuel level or fuel bowl gaskets that can leak. the only main gasket on the edeldrock is for the top of the carb. i'm getting good performance and 6-7mpg. also some late 70's thermo-quads have a plastic rather than aluminum body. mine was plastic and cracked. an epoxy repair by the PO, was leaking, so it went bye-bye.

[LJ-TJ]

Thanks Mate I was kinda leaning that way but just wanted a little reassurance.

[Oz]

My opinion is in agreement with jkilbert.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Since the 440 is close in size to the 454, I'd also go with the Edlebrock...but it might be better to go with the 750 cfm...not a mopar expert here though, or an expert in anything...lol...but 14 cubic inches isn't much of a difference in engine displacement, so wouldn't the 750 be better?  Both performance and MPG wise.  I know 750 is required for a 454.

Kev

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Dave's 2 cents:

In an old post (http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?topic=869.0), Sea Hag had found a formula for computing CFM for low RPM torque engines like used in a MH.
cid times max rpm divided by 3,456
(440 x 5000)/ 3456 = 636 CFM

Now the Edelbrock site (http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/carbs_acc/performer.shtml) will tell you to use a 750CFM carb for 402CID and larger.  However, you also have to remember Edlebrock mostly designs for higher RPM applications.  So, in my humble opinion, I lean more towards what Sea Hag posted as a guideline (600 CFM) because we do not need to push the CFM needed for 6000 to 7000 RPM [(440 x 6000) / 3456 = 763 CFM].  We should not push these engines that high or they will be short lived.

600 CFM Manual Choke Sq Bore
P/N 1405 Cast
P/N 14054 EnduraShine (chrome)
P/N 9905 Reconditioned Cast
P/N 9966 Reconditioned Cast with 1478 Electric Choke Kit.
P/N 1400 Cast with EGR port

600 CFM Eelctric Choke Sq Bore
P/N 1406 Cast
P/N 14064 EnduraShine (chrome)
P/N 9906 Reconditioned Cast


750 CFM Manual Choke Sq Bore
P/N 1407 Cast
P/N 9907 Reconditioned Cast

750 CFM Manual Choke Sq Bore
P/N 1411 Cast
P/N 9913 Reconditioned Cast



You will need a throttle adaptor kit (http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/install_items/general.shtml).  I am not sure which one it is but hopefully someone who has done this conversion will pop in.  You will also need a spreadbore to squarebore carb adaptor.

And you will need to "tune" the "new" carb a little http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2567.0

The stuff to do it with:
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/carbs_acc/access_thun_perf.shtml

Oh, last but not least enter Edelbrock in CW search.

And for you rich kids  W% :
The no longer produced Edelbrock Quadrajet that does not require a spreadbore to squarebore adaptor: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=edelbrock+quadrajet&_sacat=0&_odkw=edelbrock+spreadbore&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

A good book about Carter & Edelbrock: http://www.mre-books.com/sa130/

And Rochesters Quadrajet: http://www.mre-books.com/quadrajet/index.html

Dave

PS: I am a Carter Thermoquad kinda guy!   

[Oz]

I'm also going to agree with Dave on this point.  I had the Edelbrock 750cfm on the Chariot and it was overkill and NOT friendly on the gas.  Power... yes.  Definitely.  But, when I bought the rig, it had the 600cfm carb on it.  No, I couldn't climb any mountain at whatever speed I felt like but, it had respectable power and got 2 mpg better.  As I always say, "The real price for power is paid at the pump."  Since your rig is considerably ligher than mine, you should be quite happy with the power and efficiency of the 600cfm.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Go with the experts on this one.  I'm still learning the basics.  I'll be going with a 750 cfm, but we have a big heavy beastie loaded down and towing.

And great link, Dave!  I didn't know Edlebrock used to make a remanufactured quad carb.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the 1411 though with the adapters and spring kit.

Kev

[bob s]

good advice on your carb should be a tag or stamped in part number that local parts store can give you cfm of the original carb and match aftermarket close as possible i tend to got next cfm higher and change metering rods or jets  for optinium fuel and altitude most aftermarket are jet or metered for sea level with larger cfm and higher altitudes can create over fueling and cylinder washing local speed shop can help you with that or a good carb mechanic will know what u need for your area