Carb selection
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Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 223
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From: Florida
Carb selection
I have a 390 with mild cam finally running correct, it had a Holley 600 that has non adjustable floats on it that has been a problem child since new. I have a holley 770 street avenger on the motor from another vehicle now and it runs 100% better. So i am in the market for a carb. What are the opinions for which brand carb to use? The holley 770 needs to go back on the motor it came from.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
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From: Pa.
This always starts a huge discussion on Edelbrock vs Holley .. Love the Edelbrock 1406 on my 390 highboy .. Also tuned a 1405 to get 12mpg on a F250 2wd with a C6 .. Always had good luck and low maintenance on that Carter AFB style carb on a 390 truck ..
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
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From: Pa.
Ford put them on there trucks for a reason
your going to have to better than that ..The power valve alone pre 92 is a show stopper
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,587
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From: Eagle River, AK
I have read pretty good things on the Quick Fuel Technology (QFT) carbs.
They are a little pricey, but I purchased a SS-680-VS for my build. They also make some more inexpensive models, but they have cast metering blocks instead of the billet metering blocks the SS Series uses.
They are a little pricey, but I purchased a SS-680-VS for my build. They also make some more inexpensive models, but they have cast metering blocks instead of the billet metering blocks the SS Series uses.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Oh boy.. here we go. IMO, Holleys tend to be fussy.
My all time favorite is the Autolite 4100. Look for a 1.12 casting within the clock face cuz it's 600 cfm. $40 to $60 at a swap meet. Easy to rebuild and really easy to tune. Works like a champ.
In modern terms, I'd go with a 600 cfm Edelbrock 1406 for a daily driver
-OR-
Summit's branded clone of a Holley 3310 in 600 cfm. They're like $235 right now.
My all time favorite is the Autolite 4100. Look for a 1.12 casting within the clock face cuz it's 600 cfm. $40 to $60 at a swap meet. Easy to rebuild and really easy to tune. Works like a champ.
In modern terms, I'd go with a 600 cfm Edelbrock 1406 for a daily driver
-OR-
Summit's branded clone of a Holley 3310 in 600 cfm. They're like $235 right now.
Posting Guru
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From: Parma, MI
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Pa.
For the record on my 460 rebuild I probably will use a Holley with vaccum secondaries , which BTW is all done except the carb so I'm open to persuasion 
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
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From: South west Idaho
Okay , I'l jump in here too.I'v got an old 80s era Edelbrock 1406 on my 302. I'v used it on a lot of different engines from 289,302 ford to a 4.3L chev v6 and 350 chev . I put a kit in it every so often , depending on how much it's been used . Then it's ready to go again trouble free with just a little tuning for which ever engine i have it on. I picked up a Carter AFB a few months ago and rebuilt it with a missing chock plate and it starts right up after three pumps on the pedal in 30 degree weather. Never had a holley that never needed a lot of tuning , then they leak gas plus power valve problems . I think it comes down to what you like as they all can be good or bad . My $.02 or less worth.__
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Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Florida
I have always had holleys, but this last one with non adjustable floats has always had problems with flooding, it would alternate between the front and back bowls. Very agravating and this has got me thinking of something different. I have always known the power valve issue - one back fire and plan on replacing it. Thanks for all the thoughts.
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Autolite
AUTOLITE....I'm running a 4100 on my Bronco and have another one ready to go on my 416 F100. As HIO Silver mentioned they are cheap and easy to rebuild/tune. I had to rejet the one on my Bronco but they take Holley jets so there's no problem in tuning for your application. Lots of information on-line.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,587
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From: Eagle River, AK
AUTOLITE....I'm running a 4100 on my Bronco and have another one ready to go on my 416 F100. As HIO Silver mentioned they are cheap and easy to rebuild/tune. I had to rejet the one on my Bronco but they take Holley jets so there's no problem in tuning for your application. Lots of information on-line.
I have an Autolite 4100 1.12 with a fresh rebuild, I was thinking about putting it on my 76 F250 with a stock 460.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Here's a good website for autolite information. Last Autolite I picked up came off a 63' galaxie 390 4 speed. I figure the jetting and boosters will be close to what I want.
Ford and Mustang Autolite 4100 carburetors
This info is from the following forum, also a great Autolite source:
Ed's Carburetor Forum. Carbs rule!!!!
The older 4100's and 2100's 64 and down used Holley jets.
The late 64 and up Ford carbs used Autolite size jets.
You can adapt the later carbs to use Holley jets by using a thread insert or reducer bushing.
Ford and Mustang Autolite 4100 carburetors
This info is from the following forum, also a great Autolite source:
Ed's Carburetor Forum. Carbs rule!!!!
The older 4100's and 2100's 64 and down used Holley jets.
The late 64 and up Ford carbs used Autolite size jets.
You can adapt the later carbs to use Holley jets by using a thread insert or reducer bushing.