Carburator Recommendations

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: BonneauBago  (Original Message)
Sent: 5/5/2003 9:20 PM

Ok guys, got the starter issue straightened out and now that I have ran the engine for awhile things are starting to re-break in! LOL  But the only major issue is the carb, the floats are leaking by and the air/fuel ratio adjustments don't do anything when turned.  I can't remember the exact name of the carb that is on it, but a mechanic told me it wasn't worth rebuilding.  So I'm looking for suggestions on the best carb to put on a 26' 1979 Brave with a Dodge 440-3 motor.  I've heard Edelbrock is the best but they are pricy also so . . . any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

BonneauBago
South Carolina



From: BonneauBago
Sent: 5/5/2003 9:30 PM

I remembered the name of the carb, its a Thermo-Quad.



From: Colin
Sent: 5/5/2003 10:55 PM

I'm one of the folks who recommend Edelbrock, and has had nothing but bad experiences with Holley. My Edelbrock worked great right out of the box, unlike the three years of headaches with the Holley. An Edelbrock is also much easier to work on, and doesn't have to be taken off the engine. I know that there are plenty of people on both sides. Try E-bay. I bought my Edelbrock at NAPA when they were having one of their 25% off "everything you can fit in the bag" sales.

C. 



From: BonneauBago
Sent: 5/5/2003 11:28 PM

Thanks Colin, I was leaning toward the Edelbrock because I've heard nothing but good reviews on them.  I also heard they give the best gas mileage.  Do you know which model I would need for a 26' '79 Brave with a 440?  Thanks.

BonneauBago
South Carolina



From: jbrt1989
Sent: 5/5/2003 11:42 PM

Along the lines of the Holley/Edelbrock debate....

I've heard on a few occasions that Holley bought out Edelbrock carbs many years ago, so there really shouldn't be any real difference between the two.  Once from an auto parts house that sold both.  Edelbrock still makes everything else with it's name on it, just not carbs if that's right.

I'm just curious if anyone else has heard that.  My carb has given me fits since I bought the RV and I was thinking about doing a change out before my next big trip and this thread is a good cause to start doing some homework. 

Jeff



From: BonneauBago
Sent: 5/6/2003 8:00 AM

Jeff:  I did alot of reading last night and couldn't find anything like that.  However, I am sure that I will go with an Edelbrock carb for my Bago.  Anyone who uses Edelbrock claims that they took it out of the box, bolted it on and it was perfect.  As for the Holley carbs, if you're lucky enough to get one thats right, it works great, but most have had problems.   Sounds like Edelbrock is the best performer and is a Plug & Play carb! LOL  I just need to figure out which model is best for the 440-3, plan to make a few calls today and will post that info later.  Gotta get every ounce of mileage we can these days.

BonneauBago
South Carolina



From: mightybooboo
Sent: 5/6/2003 9:40 AM

Bon:
Re edelbrock carbs,I use a 650 smog carb,Im from calif.It does not have the power of the thermoquad OE carb.Would suggest a 750 or 850 carb if they have a edelbrock of that size for the 440-3.I was also told it helps MPG but i really dont know,these trucks are major gas hogs period.On the upside,they do run on regular gas due to lower compression in the 440-3.It is a very nice carb tho...and its red,looks cool on the Mopar blue engine.Definitely ' outcools' the OE carb.
BooBoo



From: BonneauBago
Sent: 5/6/2003 7:35 PM

BooBoo (aka Cool Carb!) lol, thanks for the info, being in South Carolina they don't sweat the emissions to much, heck we don't even have a state inspection anymore!  So I can run pretty much whatever I want.  I got the Holley 750 on it today and she fired up without even having to touch the gas pedal!  That was sweet!  Ran like a champ.  Went ahead and took it down the road and got about 5 miles before one of the plug wires burnt through on the header!!!
(*&$%(*_#&
I knew better but forgot to ensure that they were all clear before securing the dog house.   Ego took over and had to run it!  Oh well, lesson learned right?  So with a new plug wire I think we will be good to go for our first road trip in the new preowned Bago next week! Yahoooo!  Gotta get some batteries for the digital to take some pics to post. 

BonneauBago
South Carolina



From: Colin
Sent: 5/6/2003 11:05 PM

As to the Edelbrock, I bought a #1406

C.



From: mightybooboo
Sent: 5/7/2003 12:55 AM

I got the Holley 750 on it today and she fired up without even having to touch the gas pedal!  That was sweet!  Ran like a champ. 

Bon,sounds like your all set once again!
Boo



From: BonneauBago
Sent: 5/7/2003 9:23 PM

Wanted to ask some of you Winny Veterans  your thoughts on the Rochester Quadra-Jet carb in lieu of the Thermo-Quad.  I was told it was a comparable replacement.  I got one off of Ebay and am thinking of giving it a shot since the Holley 750 is just a loaner.  The Quadra-Jet came off of a Mopar 360 police engine and has been recently rebuilt.  May have to put some different jets in it for the Bago.  Again, thanks in advance.

BonneauBago
South Carolina



Sent: 5/9/2003 5:44 PM

BB,
     That's what I have on my MH.  I think that it's a great carb.  Easy to rebuild, easy to set-up.  I haven't had to touch mine since we got it running right.  i bought it off of a friend to replace the one that was on there.  Also a Q-Jet.  The old one leaked a lot of fuel.  It had a warped housing, so I'm told.  Seems to be working well for me.



From: BonneauBago
Sent: 5/9/2003 7:19 PM

Thanks for the info, I'm gonna have to run the Holley for my first trip next week.  (I can't wait!)  By the time I get back the Rochester should be here and I'll have plenty of time to check it out.  Again, thanks everyone for the info.

BonneauBago
South Carolina