Topic: New Carb?
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18378
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
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 Wartell 2008-08-20 10:24:26
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 Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry
My first Vette, now owned by JB79:
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Better yet knock $500. off the selling price and move that vette to desireme.
Then wait till that newSS Camaro comes out
The maintenance fees you'll save from killing that 24 page thread will help make the car payments on the new Camaro
Sorry lord, please forgive me and bless all dem pigmies for I'm 
ebo
ebo
ebo
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.
MikeMc71 2008-08-20 12:26:18
As far as the other question, the electric choke just needs a wire that is hot when the ignition is on, no big deal. The fit is what you will have to make sure of (intake), and the throttle cable/linkage. The other concern I would have is if the aircleaner will fit on the carb with the electric choke, some will, some won't. The guys at MAM should be able to tell you.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
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.
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.
Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18378
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
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:
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
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.
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,
KDADDY79 2008-08-20 14:46:45
If you replace the Q-Jet, hang on to it.
Someday you might want to use it again.
I had great results having my Q-Jet rebuilt by Jim McGowan at
I waited until the winter & shipped it out to him. He got it back to me in around 9 weeks or so.
P.S. He was recommended to me here on C3VR by Autom8r.
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.
You need a good tech to adjust it, not a new carb. For what you would pay for the carb, you could drive here. Bonifide offer.
I installed an Edelbrock carb. (on top of an Edlebrock Intake) on my '81 and it works like a charm...
roadbiker 2008-08-22 09:37:57
Jim
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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