Switching from factory to Edelbrock

I have a 73 Buick Electra Limited that runs well, but could run better. I know I need to either have the factory quadrajet carb rebuilt, considering the gaskets should be in poor shape by now and I definitely smell fuel in the exhaust OR there is the option of buying a new carb. New -jets (not Edelbrock are pricey... around $450 from what I have seen. So If I don't switch to another make, I may as well just rebuild what I have. But I have a friend with a 73 Nova that says his performance and his fuel mileage improved noticeably when he switched to the Edelbrock, and he says they are easier to adjust and require little maintenance in comparison to the factory carb. As it is obvious that I am still learning, I would appreciate any and all opinions regarding what direction you would suggest.

 

Usually when someone switches from the q-jet to another aftermarket brand on a stock engine and sees improvement, it's because the q-jet needed to be rebuilt. On top of that, a rebuilt q-jet properly calibrated for your engine will likely outperform an out-of-the-box Edelbrock or other brand.

The factory calibrated your carb based on the year, make, model and engine for your car. Edelbrock hasn't a clue what you're going to use their carb on, so they do their best to come up with calibration that's at least functional, although more often than not, less than ideal.

Devon

 

have the Qjet rebuilt

 

The AFB was obsoleted clear back in 1967 when it would not pass emission standards inposed in 1968.

They are simple carburetors, but not nearly as efficient anyplace as the Quadrajet carburetors that replaced them. They are also square flange, and need adapters/cobbling to fit the later spread bore intakes.

It makes no sense to go "backwards", get the factory carburetor completely/correctly rebuilt.

Your buddy with the Nova should have done the same thing, IMHO.....Cliff

 

Don't give it another thought. Have the quadrajet rebuilt. Peace, Mike D.

 

Have you tuned the idle mixture screws?

 

I had Ken do mine and my 430 runs better than ever. price to have it professionally done is 1/2 the cost of new.I am having a second one done as soon as I get the $'s The new manifold cannot hurt either.

 

Also have a competent rebuilder do it than by a over the counter rebuilder. Good builders are cCliff Ruggles or John Osborn these two have more experiance than any one in the business. have done an excellent job for me...count on them. P.S if John Is still rebuilding Carbs???