Carburetor options
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 92
From: California High Desert
I can definitely understand the frustration - I grew up with EFI engines & don't know jack about tuning carbs. That said, the 4 bbl holley on my F250 runs great. I followed the setup instructions on the website & that got it dialed in almost perfect. On the other hand, I also have a 79 chevy with an Edelbrock carb, & I've never been able to get it to run right - stumbles till it gets to about 1500 rpm's, hard to start when hot, prone to flooding. If I drove this truck any more, I'd certainly consider aftermarket fuel injection for it. Going through my latest Summit catalog, they even have their own knock-off system, and there are also replacement distributors that work with them to adjust ignition timing. If I ever get around to rebuilding the big block I've got in storage, I'll probably go this route if funds allow.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 380
From: Southern California
Yeah, they produce no more power or drivability than a carb...mpg during cold or hot weather is the same as a carb, and although they will run very nice initially, give it a few years when you have to troubleshoot them..... oh, yeah, no obdII type port or diagnostic system (although they are coming out with something like this.... and all for $1k+... when all you need is to rebuild your carb...chances are the metering block is partially warped causing a vacuum leak...file it flat.. just like you would any of the other carb component surfaces...and your done...and good for another 10 years.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
For the record, I've got nothing against fuel injection. They, too, are reliable (and remain their reliability longer than a carb), cold weather startup is great and the fuel mileage is as good or better than a carb.
That being said, I can't see spending boochoos of money converting one over unless this is a daily driver and you have a fat wallet. If that is your criteria, so be it.
Speaking of...how about showing us a few photos of your fuel management system? Sounds like it a great system.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Everything about a carburetor is obsolete. Heck, I am too. It's just interesting (to me) to study the vintage systems and learn how they work, and get them working correctly as a hobby or whatever.
Obviously carburetors went bye-bye for some very good reasons, along with points & condensers, generators, distributors, drum brakes, etc. The trend has always been to decrease manufacturing costs, and especially, to reduce required maintenance or periodic adjustments. Even spark plugs, at one time, were pretty elaborate and able to be completely disassembled and cleaned. My favorite is when somebody looks over my Y and says
"You need to get rid of that".
"Get rid of what?"
"That Generator"
"I do?! Why?"
"They aren't any good. They aren't reliable."
"What do you mean they aren't reliable, it lasted 56 years, how reliable does it need to be?"
Obviously carburetors went bye-bye for some very good reasons, along with points & condensers, generators, distributors, drum brakes, etc. The trend has always been to decrease manufacturing costs, and especially, to reduce required maintenance or periodic adjustments. Even spark plugs, at one time, were pretty elaborate and able to be completely disassembled and cleaned. My favorite is when somebody looks over my Y and says
"You need to get rid of that".
"Get rid of what?"
"That Generator"
"I do?! Why?"
"They aren't any good. They aren't reliable."
"What do you mean they aren't reliable, it lasted 56 years, how reliable does it need to be?"
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