Edelbrock 1406 automatic choke

[el_fantasma]

I’m considering switching to this carb for my 1972 with 350. I have the original Rochester 4 barrel.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/1406/10002/-1

I notice it has an electric choke which I assume works off of engine temp? Is it better than a manual choke?

To start the truck, do you still mash on the gas pedal before turning the key?

Sorry for the newbie question.

Rob

[68 P.O.S.]

The choke on the 1406 is electric. It operates a thermal coil that adjusts the choke as it warms up. Fast idle should be adjusted to about 1500rpm.

To start it, you pump the pedal once to engage the choke, another pump if you want to squirt a little extra fuel, and start her up.

[68 P.O.S.]

To make that switch you need a spreadbore to squarebore adapter between the carb and intake. Edelbrocks are also finicky with fuel pressure so you'll need a fuel pressure regulator set to 5.5 psi as well.

[ZEKE68]

The electric choke on the 1406 does not operate based on engine temperature. Its just a time thing as to how long it takes the electric heater in the housing once the key is turned on to heat up the bi metal strip to back the choke off. The housing can be adjusted for more choke (and longer time on) or less choke.

[HO455]

What are your reasons for making the change as opposed to rebuilding your existing Qjet?

[geezer#99]

Or buying a quality quadrajet replacement.

[el_fantasma]

Originally Posted by HO455

What are your reasons for making the change as opposed to rebuilding your existing Qjet?

Or buying a quality quadrajet replacement.

I don’t have the time and skills to rebuild it myself. I figured the edlebrock 1406 was a popular replacement. It’s mentioned in a lot of other posts. I know it’s still a carb but thought it benefited from 45 years of improvement. Basically, I don’t know anything and appreciate any suggestions.

[geezer#99]

If you have a stock intake you’ll need an adaptor.
Fuel line needs to be extended.
Linkage needs possibly a different bracket.
You might need a jetting kit.
Rarely you’ll need a new fuel pump or regulator.
That puts you over 400 bucks.
Close to 500.



For under 500 you can have a nice custom built quadrajet.

Like here.
https://www.smicarburetor.com/produc...ID2/9/sfID3/32

[HO455]

I can only offer my opinion based on my experiences. I have had a 1406 on my Burban for the last year and it works OK. But doesn't give me the satisfaction that I know a solid Qjet will. I have a nice rebuilt Qjet that is just about ready to be installed.
One thing to remember is that those carbs were never installed from the factory on vehicles. The last real carburetor engineering when into the last generation of carburetors that came installed at the factory. The only aftermarket advances in carburetors are pretty much limited to large CFM race carbs. At this point the aftermarket is spending their resources on developing EFI conversion kits.
It may be more expensive to get your Qjet rebuilt but in my book you almost always get what you pay for.

[57larry]

I have the same carb on my 350. I pump the gas twice, starts right up

[OregonNed]

I’ve had excellent results with mine once the floats were set right and after installing an Edelbrock fuel pump

[3drburb]

I have not had a problem with mines in my Burb . Just buy a new one talk to the sales person and get the needed parts for the changeover, watch the DVD if it comes with one or go on YouTube and enjoy your truck.
Btw, I will be using another one my other truck.

[County]

You're gonna have Pro-Holley, Pro-Q-jet, Pro-Edelbrock, etc. folks, it's normal.

I've had a variety and went with the Elec choke 1406 on my C-10. The pro about getting a replacement Q-jet is that the truck is already set for it.

I like the Edelbrocks personally, so switched out. The 2 big things have already been mentioned. Double check the float level before you install (easy), and make sure your fuel pressure is down to 5.5 or so. Your factory fuel pump will put out much more.

Edelbrock has some good basic videos on their website (and the cd that comes with it), and their tech support is top notch. Just give them a call on the phone.

One quick full pedal to set choke, then I give it a 1/4 to 1/2 pedal as I turn the key and it fires right up.

[S_Gibson]

The truck I bough has an Edelbrock 1405 on it. Not the same as a 1406, but similar. It is a manual choke, but I have never bothered to pull the lever. I pump the throttle a couple times and it fires right up.

I have no preference in carburetors but I've seen no reason to spend money swapping it. It has a new fuel pump on it. I have not replaced the fuel lines yet, but there is about 1 foot of hose I would like to replace. Truck has other items it needs much more. The fuel system was the only system that worked properly so I've left it untouched for now.

From what I've determined there is no fuel regulator. What would it do differently if it were added?

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by 57larry

I have the same carb on my 350. I pump the gas twice, starts right up

Yep.. great choice. I have the same set up.
just works. no problems.
Mark

[slowcpe]

I purchased the kit that comes with the 1406 and Performer intake and added a plastic spacer. Been real happy with it. Pump it twice and it fires right up. I had to mess with the choke when it first turned cold but its good now.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by S_Gibson

The truck I bough has an Edelbrock 1405 on it. Not the same as a 1406, but similar. It is a manual choke, but I have never bothered to pull the lever. I pump the throttle a couple times and it fires right up.

I have no preference in carburetors but I've seen no reason to spend money swapping it. It has a new fuel pump on it. I have not replaced the fuel lines yet, but there is about 1 foot of hose I would like to replace. Truck has other items it needs much more. The fuel system was the only system that worked properly so I've left it untouched for now.

From what I've determined there is no fuel regulator. What would it do differently if it were added?

If that one foot of hose is on the motor then the longer you wait to replace it the higher the flames will be when you get a leak.

[S_Gibson]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

If that one foot of hose is on the motor then the longer you wait to replace it the higher the flames will be when you get a leak.

Yeah. It is on my list. Been reviewing pictures trying to figure out how to run all tubing from the fuel pump to the carburetor. I keep reading about a regulators. Are these required? I don't have one on mine and it runs fine.

Another thing I noticed that concerned me is that I do not see a fuel filter. Given some of the other things I've found since getting this truck I'm not surprised with anything. I think it would make the most sense to have the fuel filter before the pump, but does it really matter? I had Mustangs that had a filter at the carburetor.

[Andy4639]

I have this carb on my 64 SS Impala after getting the choke fixed and idle set it has been great. Nothing wrong with it at all.

[ZEKE68]

"One thing to remember is that those carbs were never installed from the factory on vehicles." Carter AVS, which is the same carb as the Edelbrock Thunder AVS was installed from the factory, by GM and others.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by ZEKE68

"One thing to remember is that those carbs were never installed from the factory on vehicles." Carter AVS, which is the same carb as the Edelbrock Thunder AVS was installed from the factory, by GM and others.

So true seek.
The new eddy carbs are just an afb. A couple changes like electric chokes and shiny look.
The afb was used on 63 to 65 corvette 327’s, Impala 327’s and dual quad 409’s.
And many more.
Just an old design made to look better.

[el_fantasma]

Hi guys

Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it. I’ve decided to have SMI rebuild my existing carburetor. https://www.smicarburetor.com/produc.../productID/428

My reasoning

• It will save me a few bucks
• Truck is already set up
• Keeps another original part (nostalgia)

I just need to figure out a time where the truck can be out of action during the turn around. Thank you Geezer for the link to SMI

[GASoline71]

Good choice. I'd rebuild and reuse a Q-jet any day over a Edelbrock carb.

Gary

[geezer#99]

Excellent!
Good price for all that too.
Sure beats the eddy price.
I’ve had a couple of his carbs. Last one I paid 55 bucks for. Guy I bought it from thought it was a Holley. It came in a Holley box. LOL!!

Keep us updated when you get it done.

[Eddie H.]

I've never had a problem with Edlebrock carburetors, but my first choice is still a properly built and tuned Q jet.
Sounds like you made the right choice.