Howdy-Newb here, so sorry if this ends up in the wrong area.
First,Problem:
I have a 75 SuperCab 390 with a carb, (I think it's a 4160, as that is what Kragen says and sold me a rebuild kit for), that is ******* upon acceleration, like idle circuit works fine but as I apply throttle, a slight speed increase, then suddenly a hesitation then ******* to a stall-out if I keep opening throttle. Obviously, secondary ain't right, but all hoses are connected proper and linkage looks good. I've rebuilt twice now, but results are the same, or worse than before I even rebuilt in the first place (hesitation was initial instigator). I'm not happy with the accelerator pump and nozzles, the 'weight' seems to get stuck requiring a smack with a hammer, or a screwdriver to loosen it up before it'll pump after several days rest, despite cleaning with solvent and polishing the weight.

Solutions: The carb says D5TE-9510-DA and a List 6949 and is a hot-air choke. Is this a 4160? Rebuilts are very pricey on this model locally~$400, but eBay indicates I may be able to cut that in half, if I get the right one. Allcarbs has one for under $200 shipped, but it appears to have electric choke, is this a pretty simple conversion?(I assume just running a wire or two?) I don't know what CFM my existing carb is either, like I said it's from a 390..(btw unrelated but, how do I tell if my 390's are FE's? I have a '70 Camper Special as well with a 390).

Kragen suggests I bail on the Holley altogether and mount an edelbrock mani and carb for about $500, that I'd be much happier with lighter weight aluminum and user-friendly carb, and while this does sound appealing, is pricey, (and of course sounds like Kragen wants a big sale!lol) l'm unsure if I'm not inviting even more problems later..bear in mind this is a worktruck and reliability is tantamount to performance.

Summary: Is this a 4160? CFM? Electric vs HotAir easy? Edel mani/carb a good solution? 390 an FE?
Phew!

Any help is appreciated, and thanks in advance!

 

Well I'll take a stab at this.

4160 is a number used by Holley for a "family" of carbs. If memory serves me 4160 means a 4bbl carb with a primary metering block and a secondary metering plate. This is apposed to a 4150 that has 2 metering blocks,...primary and secondary.

In theory you can replace your carb with any 4bbl carb that has a "square bore", meaning the same mounting bolt pattern, but you will want to try and keep the same CFM(size) as possable. A LIST 4969 is not on Holley's web site but I would guess that it is a 600cfm carb.

A older popular replacement carb was the 1850, now you can find a 80457 in most any parts house.

Hooking up an electric choke is not a problem. You run a single wire from the terminal on the choke cap to the "S" terminal of the alternator.

Edelbrock carbs are fine also, the Holley-vs-Edel debate is as strong as Ford-vs-Chebby so be careful!

Finally all Ford 390's are included in the FE engine family.

Good luck and hope this helps,
Lee

 

Excellent! Thanks Lee! My confidence is building..I think I'll try a repacement carb w/ electric choke, and possibly see if this will fit the bill...I think I can always use it on the 70 CamperSpecial if I do decide to go w/Edelbrock combo in the future. Appreciate yer help!