I recently purchased a 1982 E350 with a 351w and the carb that's on it currently is from what I've experienced this far, a total pile of garbage. I'm unsure of what type it is, haven't pulled it yet but I'm going to tonight after work.

I'm new to full size 4x4 trucks and all things carbureted (as far as cars go, I've got a handful of bikes that have carbs and I'm knowledgeable enough to be dangerous) but don't know much for options and whats out there.

Loosely talking with friends and co-workers I've heard that for what I want, which is simplicity and reliability in this vehicle, I should look into edelbrock carbs for simpler, more reliable streetability, versus a more temperamental higher performance Holly (not sure how accurate that assumption is). The PO said the choke on this one is broken, so a new carb with electronic choke and an accelerator pump should do me good in tuning this thing up.

My question to you guys is what sort of opinions you have about these, and who should I shop them through? Without doing a ton of research just yet, I think a ballpark of 550-600cfm edelbrock is the direction I'm gonna go. I just want to hear it from some of you that I'm on the right track before I pull a trigger.

Also on a side note I spoke briefly with someone yesterday who mentioned that efi conversions exist that bolt right on and assume the place the old carb would normally mount for a simpler conversion. Any ideas about these either? I just want as little of a headache and as much of a mile crusher as I can possibly put together here so any and all tips that lead to longevity are appreciated.

The engine is stock, it's an auto with a c6 tranny and married transfer case (not sure that matters just trying to inform)

Couple photos of the new rig

 

Dont know where you are located but I would check into replacing the carb with a TFI system if one is available. I think edelbrock makes one, there are some others. Look at Summit Racing to see what is available.

As to carbs have not had one in a long time. I had a Holly 4bbl on my old ranchero with a 400 engine and it was OK. Ended up putting the OEM 2bbl back on with the 4 bbl manifold. Mileage never really improved that much with the manifold and 4bbl as it was claimed to do. Also I had installed an aftermarket electronic system in the distributor which did help some but again check with summit. keeping good plugs and wires installed will help the most, I did put a Mallory system on my 89 F250 and yes it did make a difference. It consisted of a stronger coil, a box of some sort their special wires.

Hope you get to get it figured out. It should be an autolite or motorcraft carb of some sort unless its been changed out. Forget what came with the older fords. a good exhaust system will also help out if yours is still oem.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fif-30003 Looked at fuel injec system and OUCH $$ pricey but this one was about the cheapest. They do have good tech support/cust service if you have questions.

 

Holley carbs are simple to tune. They are not just for high performance either
I used them for decades on the street and even more years for racing.

I have no experience edelbrock carbs

 

Look into the Summit brand carb, they have lots of good reviews. If you want EFI, the FITech is the most affordable. You need to figure if you have a 2 barrel or 4 barrel manifold and whether it's square bore or spread bore.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-m08600vs
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fif-30002

 

I am also voting for the Holley...Edelbrock is not a bad choice either.....Manual Choke Square bore is my fav...