I have a 350 with a Rochester 2GV in a 1970 Jeep Wagoneer with a TH400. The plan is to do some modest upgrades (timing set, oil pump kit, water and fuel pumps, maybe cam and lifters) and then move this low mileage engine into a 1970 Jeep Gladiator pickup (the Buick 350 was the stock V8 in these from '68 to '70). I also want to convert to a 4V and am completely unfamilar on how to do this and need assistance. I have found a 4V intake from a '70 Skylark. Now the questions are: 1) Which Q-Jet (or other) carb(s) is/are appropriate (keeping in mind the TH400 tranny)? 2) What do I need for the throttle linkage (and what makes a good donor)? 3) What do I need for an automatic choke? 4) Anything else I need? Thanks for the help!
You should have no problem finding a Q-jet from a Buick 350 68-74. Any of these will work fine on your application. If you don't use a Buick carb you will have linkage and fuel line issues to deal with. The 2 bbl throtle cable should snap onto the Q-jet just fine. You shouldn't need anything else. I assume the intake you aquired has the thermostatic choke in it. Just hook the rod to the carb. There are no connections from the carb to the trans, just the vacuum line from the back of the intake to the modulator on the trans. All of this is assuming that Jeep didn't change any of the things from the way they would have been on a Buick 350 in a Buick car...
Here's a pic of the intake -- looks like the thermostatic choke is still there. So, assuming I find a 68-74 Q-Jet, what is a fair price both as a takeoff and rebuilt? Suggestions on where to send for a rebuild?
A core carb should be no more than $50. $100 for a running carb. You can get an over-the-counter rebuilt from AutoZone, O'Reilley's, etc for $125-175, but they are hit and miss, quality control-wise. If you buy a core to rebuild, John Osborne is one of the most highly recommended. I don't have his contact info, but if you do a search on his name on here I'm sure it will turn up. John is truly a stand-up guy and a true Q-jet wiz.
I am also in the process of converting my 350 Buick, 1969 Skylark, 2 barrel carb engine to a 4 barrel Quadrajet. My 4 V intake manifold part number is B-1231924-E. I believe that it is a 1970 -But not sure ? It looks just like Wrigleys . I have noiticed that on the top edge of the 4V manifold it is 13" long and does not cover the intake manifold gasket nor the round head openings entirely. The existing 2 barrel manifold is about 14" Long. and covers the gasket and head opening completely. Has anyone else run into this? Can a 1970 manifold be used on a 69 engine? What year carb. to Use? Thank you for your help.
Are you sure that you have the original 69 engine? I'm not too familiar with 350s, but on 72-up 455s the heads have AIR holes outboard and above the upper-end intake bolt holes. 71 and earlier intake manifolds do not cover these holes and result in an exhaust leak if not plugged. Sounds like you have an AIR motor...
Thank you for your reply. I did some checking and discovered that I have a 1974, 350 air pump type motor. I do not have air pump/ emissions on engine. Can I plug the 4 holes in the 74 heads and use my 1970, 350 intake manifold and rebuilt to 1970 specs Quadrajet carb?
Yup. This is one of these "more than one way to skin a cat." scenarios. Best plan is to tap and use Allen head plugs, but certainly not necessary. Another way is to wad up little pieces of paper towel, plug the holes with them about 1/2" deep, and fill with JB Weld. The paper towel bits burn off as soon as you start the engine. Also check the exhaust crossover holes between the middle cylinders on each side, and make sure your intake covers them. If not, plug with freeze plugs, etc.
Thanks again for your reply. Does that JB Weld stuff really work? What would happen if the JB weld stuff would brake off and fall into the head? Would it pass through to the exhaust system (no harm) or would it go into a valve, piston or ?
Good question. I think that, due to the curvature of the passage, no big chunks would ever make it down to the combustion chamber, if the JB Weld did disintigrate. I know that folks have used it and had no problems for years, but nothing is forever. If the car is a keeper, and you only want to do this once, tap and use Allen plugs.
