I think my q-jet has been rebuilt one too many times.  It still doesn't idle right when cold and still smells like gas most of the time.
I'm thinking I'll just bite the bullet and buy a new carb. 

I'm looking at a 650 CFM Holley 80555C.

I found it on Mid America Motorworks site for $499. So I thought I'd do the ol' Google search to see if I can find it cheaper. 
Interestingly, I found it on Amazon for $372!  The MAM prices must include the "Corvette Tax".

What are your thoughts on doing this replacement?  Is it a good idea? Will I find it easy? 
What about the fact that it has an electric choke vs. the current q-jet non-electric choke?  Do I need any special parts/adapters/etc for this change?

Thanks!
Adam Wartell2008-08-20 10:24:26

______________

-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

Better yet knock $500. off the selling price and move that vette to desireme.

______________

Click on image for larger view!
LIFETIME MEMBER 151

Unless one of the parts is warped, the carb can be fixed. Have you been rebuilding it yourself, or do you take it to a good carb shop and have it flow tested? I just had one done, tested, re-jetted, and new bushings for $200. MikeMc712008-08-20 12:26:18

______________

The tech at a local rebuilder told me that unless the carburetor is physically damaged, there's no reason it can't be rebuilt properly. 

If you decide you want to replace the carb, the Holley spread-bore is a good choice...it's a bolt-on replacement.  If you keep the same intake, either that or rebuilding the Q-jet would be the way to go.  If you decide to change intakes, you'll have more options, but also have to spend more money.

Since Carlisle starts in two days, check around there and see what kind of deals you can get on that Holley there.  Maybe you can meet or beat the on-line costs.

I put a Holley 650 on mine Adam. I rebuilt the Quad and could never dial it in. I also put it on a Edlebrock Performer intake. I had to use an adapter to change to manifold to a spread bore, but it was easy. As far as the choke I still use the stovepipe. From what I hear elec. isn't hard to hook up though. Anyway, my Holley works fantastic.

______________

Click on images for Before and After pics!

My q-jet has been rebuilt more times than I care to think about. Even once by our own Kstyer.  However, as my7T1 said, I can never "dial it in" and it just give me trouble all the time. I'd rather just replacing it with a new carb that is hopefully more reliable and even comes with an instruction manual!


______________

-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

If that's the case I would look for a new carburetor.  I'd print a copy of that Amazon.com ad and price and take it along.  See if someone there will match it...you won't have to pay shipping costs. 

Worst case is you still have to order one and pay to ship it.

BTW - your original Q-jet is about thirty years old.  That speaks well for its durability, even if it has become worn and has been rebuilt several times.

Adam, KDADDY792008-08-20 14:46:45

Adam, if I can get my hands on that car I can get adjusted to function properly.   It's not in need of replacement, just proper setting.  Problem is I could not do the fine tuning and adjustment without the running engine under the carb.   If you get a new one, you may have the same problem getting it set properly.

I installed an Edelbrock carb. (on top of an Edlebrock Intake) on my '81 and it works like a charm... roadbiker2008-08-22 09:37:57

______________

[QUOTE=kstyer] Adam, if I can get my hands on that car I can get adjusted to function properly.   It's not in need of replacement, just proper setting.  Problem is I could not do the fine tuning and adjustment without the running engine under the carb.   If you get a new one, you may have the same problem getting it set properly.

[/QUOTE]

I have to agree with Ken first, and all of the others that suggested if it ain't bent, it's fixable. Since Ken has already gone thru it, I can safely assume it ain't bent. Very few rebuilt carbs will work properly without the proper fine tuning with a large mallet and a pry bar.
I'll bet there's more to it than just the carb adjustment, but I bet that'll make a big difference.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Somehting else to consider... roadbiker2008-08-25 11:39:24

______________