I'm installing an Edelbrock carb on my '81 as my quadrajet has afew major problems. I know that I'll need an adapter f/ square to spread bore.
***Questions: 1.) What kind of hood clearance problems will I run into?
2.) Will I have to go w/ another air cleaner? If so, what one works f/
this situation?
Thanks in advance.

 

Hey Jim, If you use an Edelbrock manifold like the performer, it will take their carb without adapters and the manifold works well in low and mid RPM's. From what I recall, I didn't have any clearance issues when I used that manifold.

 

Thanks, 78. I really didn't want to spring for another manifold, but since I'd have to spring for another hood, as I'd never cut my original, I know that the manifold would be a more practical direction to take.
I keep telling myself that I don't want to dump any money into my stock engine, as I'd like to build a 383 for it sometime in the future. But, with the stock engine running perfectly and not burning a drop of oil, withgetting readyto start a new business, and still having a young one at home, I suppose I better go with the manifold. And like it.
I sometimes look back at the past and envy the years I could build a motorwith no one to consider except myself when it came to money and time. It's been very different for quite some time now, but I think the trade-off was worth it.
...the 600 cfm and the Air-Gap should do it.

 

Do you already have the carb? Edlebrock makes a Q-jet replacement that would fit right on your original manifold EDL 9972 750 cfm and EDL 9909 600 cfm.

If you already haven't bought one check these out.

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Have you checked Q-jets on ebay. There's a ton of them. Are your major problems related to the electrics?

 

Wedge and '73,
I feel that if I have to make any changes in the fuel system area, replacing the q-jet w/ anything but an Edelbrock/AFB/AFV design is out of the question. Over the years, I've come to like the friendly design where you take afew screws out of the top and have all the vitals (floats, rods and springs, etc.)right there in your hand. I know that some people actually like the q-jet, but I'm not crazy about it. Although the (original) q-jet on my 'Vette ran very well all the time until it went super lean one day and I found one of the pick-up tubes in the float bowl. I stuck it back in twice and twice it felll out. Since that time, the needle has stuck open afew times, flooding the carb w/ fuel running all over the manifold. I put a rebuild kit in it, something I've done several times to q-jets over the years, and still the thing flooded occurs. W/ my dislike of q-jets, even though I know I can get it right w/ alittle work, I'm ready to make the change. I changed the fuel pump afew months back. Although the stock pump works well, it was a pain w/ such little clearance to work on it. I'll eventually change it to a Maloryelectric andbranch a return line just before the carb, something I've done on several Chevies I've owned over the years. When I plan on keeping something f/ a longer period of time, I like to change things out that make it easier to maintain and work on all around. I'm one who never made the transition from the mechanical age to the computer age very well. I like to keep things simple.
Thanks f/ all the input, and Merry Christmas to everyone here on the site, a place you guys make very friendly. Thanks.