OE Rochester or a Champion? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cliffsta · 08-21-2004, 07:03 PM

This ? has been asked in passing before, but never truely answered. When i replace my carburetor this winter, should i spring for an OE Rochester 2 barrel for my 305, or should i settle for El Cheapo Champion thats 150 bucks cheaper? Or maybe the Holley OE replacement? I don't wanna here about Edlebrock Performance kit or whatever, AAMOF i don't wanna here about Edlebrock or Holley unless its an OE spec'ed replacement. Yall's opinion is appreciated!

*1FaastC10* · 08-21-2004, 07:59 PM

where is the "Ec Cheapo Champion" from? reputable source? what kind of warranty does it have? as for the Holley and Edelbrocks, avoid a Holley like the plague. what is the price on the 2bbl? you should be able to get into a good Edelbrock 4 barrel setup for a couple hundred bucks. you'd get more power, easier to tune than anything on the market, and once it's tuned it doesnt lose a tune.

plumbcut · 08-21-2004, 08:55 PM

buying a rebuilt carb seems like a real craps shoot. Why do you want to replace yours? Ever consider rebuilding it or having it rebuilt by a shop? Would probably be cheaper and you'd end up with equivalent or better to any mass-rebuilt unit you would find... I also like the idea of swapping intakes to accept a Q-Jet.... but if you're set on the 2bbl, you probably arent even considering that.

pc

jimfulco · 08-22-2004, 02:56 AM

I replaced a worn-out factory-calibrated carb one time with a brand new Rochester "stock replacement", which ran like crap. I had the original rebuilt locally & now it works like new. Won't make that mistake again.

cliffsta · 08-22-2004, 07:20 PM

its already been rebuilt once, trust me, its time for a new one. NO I DO NOT WANT THE EDLEBROCK 4 BARREL KIT!!!! Since i got little outta this, i'll stick by my guns and go with the Champion from Advanced Auto, or maybe the equivalent from Auto Zone. It would be nice to get an OE rochester, but they just cost so freakin much. a champion or the auto zone equivalent (i forget what its called) is 250 bucks. OE rochester is 400.

**swervin ervin** · 08-22-2004, 09:09 PM

Well, let me tell you if you go with a Autozone or Advance carb, you're gonna be sorry. I've seen how they are rebuilt, firsthand. It ain't a pretty site. Save your money and get a good carb or have a pro rebuild the one you have.

1976Scottsdale · 08-22-2004, 09:40 PM

NO, NO, NO. Do not go with Champion. They are pieces of crap. Buy an OE replacement ROCHESTER!!!!!!! ORIGINAL is the ONLY way to go. What engine are you running?

cliffsta · 08-22-2004, 10:50 PM

305 V8. but i don't have money for a Rochester though. if you didn't know im a high school student without time for a job with parents who combined make maybe 55 g a year.

hilbilly · 08-22-2004, 11:10 PM

I'd go check out the local (if you have them) dirt track hobby stock racers. They switch out 2b carbs like they change underware. You can get almost new carbs that are tuned dirt cheep. Just an idea

plumbcut · 08-23-2004, 12:57 AM

lalalala

*1FaastC10* · 08-23-2004, 01:40 AM

lalalalateee da

bluex · 08-23-2004, 06:11 AM

I got a couple of q-jet manifolds you can have if you pay shipping. They will need a little cleaning though.

I would stay away from the advance/autozone brands. They are more than likely made in tiwan or somewhere. Go with the rochester or a new holley/edelbrock. I like my 1406 its running really good right out of the box.

**swervin ervin** · 08-23-2004, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffsta

305 V8. but i don't have money for a Rochester though. if you didn't know im a high school student without time for a job with parents who combined make maybe 55 g a year.

Being a high school student doesn't mean you can't work a part time job.

screwballl · 08-23-2004, 09:54 AM

i got my rebuilt 4 barrel 600cfm Edelbrock from summit racing for $229.. and it is a OEM Rplacement carb and they have all the official numbers to prove it... but if you want they do have replacement Rochesters as well, check out summitracing.com and edelbrock.com. Use the Edelbrock numbers and put them into summitracing for prices.

"Performer Series 600cfm carburetor #1400 is 50 state street legal for ALL 1980 and earlier General Motors V8s (E.O. #D-215-10)."

cliffsta · 08-23-2004, 06:38 PM

oh well. no one answered my question. again. I thought i made it clear i don't wanna go to a 4 barrel because i have neither the time, money, or inclination to change manifolds and screw with the stock setup. Its lasted over 24 years and has around 150,000 miles on it, i think a 2 barrel is good enough

A simple bolt up and tuning of a replacement and im good to go (well, simple might not be the word

)
to plumbcut: thanks for advice. illl stick with 2 barrel, but getting it proffesionally rebuilt is definately an option for me now. thank you.

all i can add is lalalalalalalala

RockHQ · 08-23-2004, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffsta

oh well. no one answered my question. again.

lalala let me join in tooooo

You need a can of RTV, a sharp knife or a gasket scraper, some sandpaper, a few screwdrivers and wrenches to change an intake manifold. You can find a stock 4 barrel spreadbore intake for a small block chevy for $30 for sure nearly anywhere in the world if you know where to look. Same thing goes for a stock 4 barrel Quadrajet. Then you'd need to find an air cleaner for the 4 barrel carb, anything will do as long as it has a 5 1/8" hole, $30 will probably take care of that. $10 to have your intake sandblasted inside&out. $20 for some fuel hose&hose clamps&paint&brushes. $20 for intake&carb gaskets. $30 for a carb rebuild kit.

I can guarantee you will have $200 or less tied into it when all is said and done, and not more than a week of 2 hour evenings to clean&paint your 4 barrel intake, remove your two barrel intake&carb, clean the gasket surfaces on your block, rebuild the Q-jet and put it all back together.

. I don't think there's a single part in a 73-87 that hasn't been replaced/repaired by a member of this board.

The most difficult part of the swap would be rebuilding the Q-jet, and it doesn't even rank as "difficult" by any means.

Since you live in Louisiana, you probably don't really need choke, so you can leave all of the related parts off when rebuilding your Q-jet (i did it, and it sure is a LOT cleaner looking) thus making it a lot faster and cheaper.

That's my €0.20 (a quarter in USD) on the subject.

**N2TRUX** · 08-23-2004, 09:52 PM

Guys y'all wanna ease up on the kid? He's new at trucks and still pretty new at life itself. Finesse with words is something we all aquire over time. He hasn't aquired that yet, but it appears some of you experienced forum members aren't using finesse here either.

cliffsta what these guys are trying to tell you is "in general" you would be better off with a small 4 barrel (regardless of barnd preference). They perform better than a 2 barrel, and as long as you stay out of it they can get better mileage.

I am going to assume that maybe there is more involved here than cliffsta just being stubborn with his reason for wanting to keep a 2 barrel. Maybe it's because he doesn't yet have the knowledge you guys do and he is aprehensive about doing a a carb manifold swap.....

cliffsta · 08-23-2004, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

. Maybe it's because he doesn't yet have the knowledge you guys do and he is aprehensive about doing a a carb manifold swap.....

hmmm that about hits the screw with the hammer.

If i mess something, anything, up, i get to ride the big cheese to school till college

I guess im just a firm believer in KISS, simply because i don't know everything, and KISS is usually cheaper, but i guess in this situation it isn't. I rarely even pop the hood without adult supervision

i apologize for my poor attitude recently, i had a rough weekend. hope no one took offense.

Anyways this point is moot since i gotta invest in shocks (KYB GR2s) and a battery tray extremely ASAP because my battery is on its last leg

, and i've been in need of shocks since before my licence was a gleam in my eye. So i don't see a carb and timing set until post Xmas, my bday is in Nov, then Xmas, so the almighty dollar is being stretched.

Peace out

**N2TRUX** · 08-23-2004, 10:30 PM

cliffsta when I was your age I didn't know much about working on cars/trucks and I didn't have much of an opportunity to make extra money either. I took every chance I could to learn about working on them though. I also learned how to horse trade for what I needed.

In your spare time find a local salvage yard. For a couple of bucks and an 1/2 hours work you might find the shocks you need......

SanitysBane · 08-23-2004, 11:46 PM

i hear ya clifsta, i moved out here to silsbee from kingwood, and not to knock silsbee but the school here is a crap load easyer, so thats freed me up a ton, but at kingwood, i would never have had enough time xpt during summer to do anyting to old red, good thing i moved out here. oh yeah, that and here red doesn't need a tube shoved up its butthole and nxtrux, i agree totally, finese with words is a hard thing to learn, and usally involves hackin' people off a couple of times, i know i do it all the time weather i mean to or not

cliffsta · 08-24-2004, 06:49 PM

thanks

oh and i do plan on making a trip to the junkyard, but in search of bedsides as mine are toast. and a hood. and maybe a seat.

us111 · 08-24-2004, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockHQ

lalala let me join in tooooo

You need a can of RTV, a sharp knife or a gasket scraper, some sandpaper, a few screwdrivers and wrenches to change an intake manifold. You can find a stock 4 barrel spreadbore intake for a small block chevy for $30 for sure nearly anywhere in the world if you know where to look. Same thing goes for a stock 4 barrel Quadrajet. Then you'd need to find an air cleaner for the 4 barrel carb, anything will do as long as it has a 5 1/8" hole, $30 will probably take care of that. $10 to have your intake sandblasted inside&out. $20 for some fuel hose&hose clamps&paint&brushes. $20 for intake&carb gaskets. $30 for a carb rebuild kit.

I can guarantee you will have $200 or less tied into it when all is said and done, and not more than a week of 2 hour evenings to clean&paint your 4 barrel intake, remove your two barrel intake&carb, clean the gasket surfaces on your block, rebuild the Q-jet and put it all back together.

. I don't think there's a single part in a 73-87 that hasn't been replaced/repaired by a member of this board.

The most difficult part of the swap would be rebuilding the Q-jet, and it doesn't even rank as "difficult" by any means.

Since you live in Louisiana, you probably don't really need choke, so you can leave all of the related parts off when rebuilding your Q-jet (i did it, and it sure is a LOT cleaner looking) thus making it a lot faster and cheaper.

That's my €0.20 (a quarter in USD) on the subject.

JUST don't be dumb like me and over tighten any bolt's! lol..lotta work gettin them outta head...

76 k-10 in progress from frame up

1976Scottsdale · 08-25-2004, 09:48 PM

High school huh. Same here. I am rebuilding my entir 1976 Scottsdale. Starting with the engine. I have a stock 4bbl intake and a couple Q-jets laying around. Don;t know if they work or not, but they are just in my way. I know one worked, but I do not know if the secondaries worked or not. Look at it this way, riding on two out of four barrels beats the big cheese. It is a manual choke.

08-22-2004, 07:20 PM	#5
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	its already been rebuilt once, trust me, its time for a new one. NO I DO NOT WANT THE EDLEBROCK 4 BARREL KIT!!!! Since i got little outta this, i'll stick by my guns and go with the Champion from Advanced Auto, or maybe the equivalent from Auto Zone. It would be nice to get an OE rochester, but they just cost so freakin much. a champion or the auto zone equivalent (i forget what its called) is 250 bucks. OE rochester is 400. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

08-22-2004, 09:09 PM	#6
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Well, let me tell you if you go with a Autozone or Advance carb, you're gonna be sorry. I've seen how they are rebuilt, firsthand. It ain't a pretty site. Save your money and get a good carb or have a pro rebuild the one you have. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

08-22-2004, 10:50 PM	#8
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	305 V8. but i don't have money for a Rochester though. if you didn't know im a high school student without time for a job with parents who combined make maybe 55 g a year. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

08-23-2004, 12:57 AM	#10
plumbcut california fill Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sunny So-Cal Posts: 694	lalalala Last edited by MHC; 08-23-2004 at 10:22 PM. Reason: I cant post nicely

08-23-2004, 01:40 AM	#11
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	lalalalateee da Last edited by MHC; 08-23-2004 at 10:23 PM. Reason: again

08-21-2004, 07:03 PM	#1
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	OE Rochester or a Champion? This ? has been asked in passing before, but never truely answered. When i replace my carburetor this winter, should i spring for an OE Rochester 2 barrel for my 305, or should i settle for El Cheapo Champion thats 150 bucks cheaper? Or maybe the Holley OE replacement? I don't wanna here about Edlebrock Performance kit or whatever, AAMOF i don't wanna here about Edlebrock or Holley unless its an OE spec'ed replacement. Yall's opinion is appreciated! __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

08-21-2004, 07:59 PM	#2
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	where is the "Ec Cheapo Champion" from? reputable source? what kind of warranty does it have? as for the Holley and Edelbrocks, avoid a Holley like the plague. what is the price on the 2bbl? you should be able to get into a good Edelbrock 4 barrel setup for a couple hundred bucks. you'd get more power, easier to tune than anything on the market, and once it's tuned it doesnt lose a tune.

08-21-2004, 08:55 PM	#3
plumbcut california fill Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sunny So-Cal Posts: 694	buying a rebuilt carb seems like a real craps shoot. Why do you want to replace yours? Ever consider rebuilding it or having it rebuilt by a shop? Would probably be cheaper and you'd end up with equivalent or better to any mass-rebuilt unit you would find... I also like the idea of swapping intakes to accept a Q-Jet.... but if you're set on the 2bbl, you probably arent even considering that. pc

08-22-2004, 02:56 AM	#4
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	I replaced a worn-out factory-calibrated carb one time with a brand new Rochester "stock replacement", which ran like crap. I had the original rebuilt locally & now it works like new. Won't make that mistake again.

08-22-2004, 09:40 PM	#7
1976Scottsdale Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 76	NO, NO, NO. Do not go with Champion. They are pieces of crap. Buy an OE replacement ROCHESTER!!!!!!! ORIGINAL is the ONLY way to go. What engine are you running?

08-22-2004, 11:10 PM	#9
hilbilly I do everything twice, so what Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: To the Right. One may go as far to say WAY to the Right Posts: 378	I'd go check out the local (if you have them) dirt track hobby stock racers. They switch out 2b carbs like they change underware. You can get almost new carbs that are tuned dirt cheep. Just an idea

08-23-2004, 06:11 AM	#12
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	I got a couple of q-jet manifolds you can have if you pay shipping. They will need a little cleaning though. I would stay away from the advance/autozone brands. They are more than likely made in tiwan or somewhere. Go with the rochester or a new holley/edelbrock. I like my 1406 its running really good right out of the box. __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/

08-23-2004, 09:54 AM	#14
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	i got my rebuilt 4 barrel 600cfm Edelbrock from summit racing for $229.. and it is a OEM Rplacement carb and they have all the official numbers to prove it... but if you want they do have replacement Rochesters as well, check out summitracing.com and edelbrock.com. Use the Edelbrock numbers and put them into summitracing for prices. "Performer Series 600cfm carburetor #1400 is 50 state street legal for ALL 1980 and earlier General Motors V8s (E.O. #D-215-10)." __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

08-23-2004, 06:38 PM	#15
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	oh well. no one answered my question. again. I thought i made it clear i don't wanna go to a 4 barrel because i have neither the time, money, or inclination to change manifolds and screw with the stock setup. Its lasted over 24 years and has around 150,000 miles on it, i think a 2 barrel is good enough A simple bolt up and tuning of a replacement and im good to go (well, simple might not be the word ) to plumbcut: thanks for advice. illl stick with 2 barrel, but getting it proffesionally rebuilt is definately an option for me now. thank you. all i can add is lalalalalalalala __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord Last edited by MHC; 08-23-2004 at 10:24 PM. Reason: because we all know the rules now

08-23-2004, 09:52 PM	#17
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Guys y'all wanna ease up on the kid? He's new at trucks and still pretty new at life itself. Finesse with words is something we all aquire over time. He hasn't aquired that yet, but it appears some of you experienced forum members aren't using finesse here either. cliffsta what these guys are trying to tell you is "in general" you would be better off with a small 4 barrel (regardless of barnd preference). They perform better than a 2 barrel, and as long as you stay out of it they can get better mileage. I am going to assume that maybe there is more involved here than cliffsta just being stubborn with his reason for wanting to keep a 2 barrel. Maybe it's because he doesn't yet have the knowledge you guys do and he is aprehensive about doing a a carb manifold swap..... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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08-23-2004, 10:30 PM	#19
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	cliffsta when I was your age I didn't know much about working on cars/trucks and I didn't have much of an opportunity to make extra money either. I took every chance I could to learn about working on them though. I also learned how to horse trade for what I needed. In your spare time find a local salvage yard. For a couple of bucks and an 1/2 hours work you might find the shocks you need......

08-23-2004, 11:46 PM	#20
SanitysBane Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,121	i hear ya clifsta, i moved out here to silsbee from kingwood, and not to knock silsbee but the school here is a crap load easyer, so thats freed me up a ton, but at kingwood, i would never have had enough time xpt during summer to do anyting to old red, good thing i moved out here. oh yeah, that and here red doesn't need a tube shoved up its butthole and nxtrux, i agree totally, finese with words is a hard thing to learn, and usally involves hackin' people off a couple of times, i know i do it all the time weather i mean to or not __________________ '96 Nissan Pathfinder '02 Firebird Trans Am. '88 K5 Blazer

08-24-2004, 06:49 PM	#21
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	thanks oh and i do plan on making a trip to the junkyard, but in search of bedsides as mine are toast. and a hood. and maybe a seat. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

08-25-2004, 09:48 PM	#23
1976Scottsdale Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 76	High school huh. Same here. I am rebuilding my entir 1976 Scottsdale. Starting with the engine. I have a stock 4bbl intake and a couple Q-jets laying around. Don;t know if they work or not, but they are just in my way. I know one worked, but I do not know if the secondaries worked or not. Look at it this way, riding on two out of four barrels beats the big cheese. It is a manual choke.

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