Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OregonC20 · 08-14-2009, 12:16 PM

About a month ago I purchased a Rochester carb from an online vendor that was suggested here. I had a repair shop install the carb but had to take it back twice because it was leaking fuel. I was told that the carb had bad treads. I called the vendor and they said to send it back because "they want to make it right". The only thing is that I need my truck for work, I drive it to home depot daily. Now since my employer is going to pay for 75% of the cost of a new carb I was thinking of getting a Holley 600 CFM (Model 4160) Non-Adjustable Float Carburetor? what do you guys think? my truck is a 1970 C20 with a 396/402.

Thanks.

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 12:24 PM

Personally, I love Holleys and would go with that carb or the new Summit carb, which is also made by Holley and is a great deal. The Summit carb is very similar to the Holley 4010 that was discontinued years ago by Holley, which was a knock off of the Autolite 4100, another great carb. However, many on this forum will tell you to stick with the Q-Jet since it gets better mileage and is a great carb. Q-Jets are good, but harder to tune, IMO. Holley also makes a spreadbore carb (like the Q-Jet) if you really need that.

**leddzepp** · 08-14-2009, 12:32 PM

Get an Edelbrock 750 CFM (model 1407) carb. Easy to tune, and it won't leak. Just my .02 If it were a smallblock, I'd run the 600 CFM (model 1406)

capev86 · 08-14-2009, 12:37 PM

a 600 sounds kinda small for a big block in my opinion.....although it is a holley and everybody swears by them (. i have a 750 quadra-jet from an '84 350 on the 406sbc that i will be swapping into my 72 burb and it ran good with this combo in the last truck ('84 burb).

Nice truck and awesome to see she actually does a little of what she was intended for. my 72 burb will be a family hauler and tow vehicle with lots of car and vintage truck shows on the side.

OregonC20 · 08-14-2009, 12:53 PM

mclairmo, I did a search in the summit website for "spreadbore carb (like the Q-Jet)" and I got several results, which one are you referring to?

leddzepp, are you talking about his carb?

http://store.edelbrock.com/9907recon...nualchoke.aspx

**leddzepp** · 08-14-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OregonC20

leddzepp, are you talking about his carb?

http://store.edelbrock.com/9907recon...nualchoke.aspx

That be the one.

That model has a manual choke. Model 1411 is the same, but has an electric choke. You can also buy an electric choke separately, part # 1478

Jim_PA · 08-14-2009, 01:12 PM

Can you show a pic of where it's leaking? And the most important question... who is paying for the gas in this beast?

big_al_71 · 08-14-2009, 02:12 PM

I went with a Holley for my motor. I have had edelbrock in the best but prefer Holley.

bigbadchev72 · 08-14-2009, 02:35 PM

Get another quadrajet, I am pulling 15mpg out of my blazer and it has 38" tires, plenty of power when you want it from the huge secondaries and great mpg from the small primaries. Dont get an edelbrock or a carter, you will get horrible mpg, I have never had a holley so i cant tell you either way there.

My buddies dad runs a quadrajet on his 70 nova and is running low 11s with a 307.

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 02:50 PM

Holley Part No. 0-80555C, see pic. Its a Q-Jet replacement and will give the fuel economy and low end torque of the Q-Jet with the tunability and performance of the Holley, but it's expensive. The cheaper way to go is with the Holley 0-80457S, with 600 cfm, elec choke and vac secondaries. That's what I have for my truck with a small block. Or, the Summit SUM-M08600VS is a good 600 cfm carb that will likely perform really well on the street. I have a 750 CFM Holley 3310 on my 396 in my Camaro but I think a 600 cfm carb would be fine for your heavier truck if it is a daily driver, you want some decent fuel economy and lots of torque (as compared to the 750 cfm). I have heard bad things about the Edelbrock carbs but many here love them. I hate them but that's just my opinion.

capev86 · 08-14-2009, 02:51 PM

did i hear that correct.....11 second 1/4 mile times with a measly 307?

Jim_PA · 08-14-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclairmo

Holley Part No. 0-80555C, see pic. Its a Q-Jet replacement and will give the fuel economy and low end torque of the Q-Jet with the tunability and performance of the Holley, but it's expensive.

Unless it uses metering rods, I highly doubt it. They are called quadrajet replacements only because of external mechanics (not internals...)

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capev86

a 600 sounds kinda small for a big block in my opinion.....although it is a holley and everybody swears by them (. i have a 750 quadra-jet from an '84 350 on the 406sbc that i will be swapping into my 72 burb and it ran good with this combo in the last truck ('84 burb).

Nice truck and awesome to see she actually does a little of what she was intended for. my 72 burb will be a family hauler and tow vehicle with lots of car and vintage truck shows on the side.

I think a 600 cfm is fine for this application. It's a stock 402 in a heavy truck used daily. If it was a 396/402 or larger in a Camaro that is driven only to the track or car shows, then the 750 cfm is the way to go.

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

Unless it uses metering rods, I highly doubt it. They are called quadrajet replacements only because of external mechanics (not internals...)

I agree, internals are all Holley design but it is still a Q-Jet "replacement". It will bolt up to a spreadbore intake without an adapter, attach to the stock single feed fuel line and function like the old Q-Jet did, but with the Holley guts inside.

bigbadchev72 · 08-14-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capev86

did i hear that correct.....11 second 1/4 mile times with a measly 307?

Yes, I couldnt believe it either, The car was bought out of a junkyard to boot. I believe all he has done was put in a cam and the carb on it, headers, 3" dual exaust, 5000 stall

and NOS

OregonC20 · 08-14-2009, 08:21 PM

Jim_PA, here is a picture. Take a look at the fitting where is leaking . I think that am leaning towards the Holley Part No. 0-80555C that mclairmo mentioned above. I was just wondering how many MPG can I expect?

maddog1331 · 08-14-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Get an Edelbrock 750 CFM (model 1407) carb. Easy to tune, and it won't leak. Just my .02 If it were a smallblock, I'd run the 600 CFM (model 1406)

^^ what he said^^

I replaced a Holley with an Edelbrock on my 71 and have never been happier. No leaks, easy to tune, no complaints

Bear in mind if you are replacing a carb because of leaks, my experience with Holley carbs are that they end up leaking sooner or later. The fuel bowls on the ones I have worked on are on the sides of the carb, with the gasget vertical between the bowls and carb....basically a leak waiting to happen. I don't know if all Holley carbs are made like that, but all that I have seen were like that.

vectorit · 08-14-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Get an Edelbrock 750 CFM (model 1407) carb. Easy to tune, and it won't leak. Just my .02 If it were a smallblock, I'd run the 600 CFM (model 1406)

X2 on that!

I just don't care for Holley myself.

diggertodd · 08-14-2009, 11:17 PM

Summit carbs are made in INDONESIA, if you go to hotrodders.com and search "summit carbs junk" you will find photos of broken apart (stressing the term broken) carbs illustrating poor machining etc. Not on my hot rods...

OregonC20 · 08-14-2009, 11:36 PM

You guys are making it hard for me to decide now,

. If I get an Edelbrock 750 CFM, can I expect fuel economy, performance, and reliability? If not, what other carb can offer me those requirements? But most important a carb that is going to work great with my application (396/402 CID)

.

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 11:37 PM

I have not seen Holleys leak at the float bowl gaskets. I agree it looks like a leak waiting to happen but my 3310 has not leaked in 15 years. Also, they sell rubber gaskets, coated gaskets and other types of gaskets if you have leaking issues. The Summit carbs are two piece like the Edelbrock which is clearly much more leak resistant. I have read reviews on the Summit carbs that showed some casting flaws but no broken pieces. The casting flaws can be removed and for most applications, it won't even make any difference. Made in Indonesia does not necessarily mean they are junk and that is the reason they cost less. Also, I wonder how many of the Edelbrock parts are made abroad. Made in USA no longer means 100% made in the USA. These companies buy parts from everywhere and then try to pass them off as made here when, in fact, many of the individual parts may come from China, Mexico, etc.

prostreetC-10 · 08-14-2009, 11:51 PM

You have a 5K lbs + truck with a 396 and you are worried about gas mileage?? lol

I'm not a big fan of those spread bore Holleys. I like the good ole 3310/80508 carbs. You can get an adapter and it will work great. If it's just a daily driver, even the 1850 little 600 will work fine. I built one for a local guy and wanted to try and tune it before I handed it to him. Put it on a fresh 454 with a performer 2.0 intake, crane 270H cam and headers. IT RIPPED!!! There was a little fall off and the upper end but your motor isn't putting out what this thing is. Just about every carb listed above will work just fine. 'bout the only one I wouldn't go with is the quadra-snot. Not a fan.

P.S. Mclairmo.....you and I sure think a lot alike on these carb posts!! ;o)

big mike71 · 08-14-2009, 11:58 PM

[QUOTE=prostreetC-10;3465390]You have a 5K lbs + truck with a 396 and you are worried about gas mileage?? lol

I don't get worrying about fuel mileage if it's not a daily driver, I only get 8 miles a gallon.

bigbadchev72 · 08-15-2009, 12:04 AM

Just get another q-jet from a local shop that rebuilds them, they can usually install and tune it as well. q-jets have the small primarys that give you good torque and mpg and HUGE secondaries for when you need the power.

You just got a bum deal on that carb. How does it perfom other than the leak?

Edelbrocks will suck the gas down and not give you the throw you back in your seat when you open it up either

Jim_PA · 08-15-2009, 12:33 AM

That looks like one that takes the short filter. Mine uses the long style with a thin plastic shim type thing on the inside of the fuel filter housing to seal it.

Either way, just get it fixed. Seems like you spent a good bit of $ to have someone build it, and to throw it away now doesn't make sense.

08-14-2009, 12:16 PM	#1
OregonC20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 250	Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? About a month ago I purchased a Rochester carb from an online vendor that was suggested here. I had a repair shop install the carb but had to take it back twice because it was leaking fuel. I was told that the carb had bad treads. I called the vendor and they said to send it back because "they want to make it right". The only thing is that I need my truck for work, I drive it to home depot daily. Now since my employer is going to pay for 75% of the cost of a new carb I was thinking of getting a Holley 600 CFM (Model 4160) Non-Adjustable Float Carburetor? what do you guys think? my truck is a 1970 C20 with a 396/402. Thanks. Attached Images

08-14-2009, 12:24 PM	#2
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Personally, I love Holleys and would go with that carb or the new Summit carb, which is also made by Holley and is a great deal. The Summit carb is very similar to the Holley 4010 that was discontinued years ago by Holley, which was a knock off of the Autolite 4100, another great carb. However, many on this forum will tell you to stick with the Q-Jet since it gets better mileage and is a great carb. Q-Jets are good, but harder to tune, IMO. Holley also makes a spreadbore carb (like the Q-Jet) if you really need that.

08-14-2009, 12:32 PM	#3
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Get an Edelbrock 750 CFM (model 1407) carb. Easy to tune, and it won't leak. Just my .02 If it were a smallblock, I'd run the 600 CFM (model 1406) __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man Last edited by leddzepp; 08-14-2009 at 12:36 PM.

08-14-2009, 12:37 PM	#4
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? a 600 sounds kinda small for a big block in my opinion.....although it is a holley and everybody swears by them (. i have a 750 quadra-jet from an '84 350 on the 406sbc that i will be swapping into my 72 burb and it ran good with this combo in the last truck ('84 burb). Nice truck and awesome to see she actually does a little of what she was intended for. my 72 burb will be a family hauler and tow vehicle with lots of car and vintage truck shows on the side.

08-14-2009, 12:53 PM	#5
OregonC20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 250	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? mclairmo, I did a search in the summit website for "spreadbore carb (like the Q-Jet)" and I got several results, which one are you referring to? leddzepp, are you talking about his carb? http://store.edelbrock.com/9907recon...nualchoke.aspx

08-14-2009, 01:12 PM	#7
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Can you show a pic of where it's leaking? And the most important question... who is paying for the gas in this beast? Last edited by Jim_PA; 08-14-2009 at 01:13 PM.

08-14-2009, 02:12 PM	#8
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? I went with a Holley for my motor. I have had edelbrock in the best but prefer Holley. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

08-14-2009, 02:35 PM	#9
bigbadchev72 People know me Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hermiston, oregon Posts: 840	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Get another quadrajet, I am pulling 15mpg out of my blazer and it has 38" tires, plenty of power when you want it from the huge secondaries and great mpg from the small primaries. Dont get an edelbrock or a carter, you will get horrible mpg, I have never had a holley so i cant tell you either way there. My buddies dad runs a quadrajet on his 70 nova and is running low 11s with a 307. __________________ 1972 k/5 blazer CST 4X4 Crate 350, th350/205, dana44with trac-loc/14 bolt with detroit locker, 4 wheel discs 4.56s, 8" suspension lift using 73-87springs, 1" zerorate custom front crossmember, HAD CV drivelines and driveshaft e-brake, full cage, PRP seats, Full autometer gauges, 38x14.5x16 Toyo M/Ts, 16x10 Polished aluminum rockcrusher wheels 1967 longbox 4x4, Strong 400/400/208, 44/12bolt 4.10s, 6" lift, 35" Toyo M/Ts on corvette rally wheels

08-14-2009, 02:50 PM	#10
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Holley Part No. 0-80555C, see pic. Its a Q-Jet replacement and will give the fuel economy and low end torque of the Q-Jet with the tunability and performance of the Holley, but it's expensive. The cheaper way to go is with the Holley 0-80457S, with 600 cfm, elec choke and vac secondaries. That's what I have for my truck with a small block. Or, the Summit SUM-M08600VS is a good 600 cfm carb that will likely perform really well on the street. I have a 750 CFM Holley 3310 on my 396 in my Camaro but I think a 600 cfm carb would be fine for your heavier truck if it is a daily driver, you want some decent fuel economy and lots of torque (as compared to the 750 cfm). I have heard bad things about the Edelbrock carbs but many here love them. I hate them but that's just my opinion. Attached Images Last edited by mclairmo; 08-14-2009 at 02:51 PM.

08-14-2009, 02:51 PM	#11
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? did i hear that correct.....11 second 1/4 mile times with a measly 307?

08-14-2009, 08:21 PM	#16
OregonC20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 250	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Jim_PA, here is a picture. Take a look at the fitting where is leaking . I think that am leaning towards the Holley Part No. 0-80555C that mclairmo mentioned above. I was just wondering how many MPG can I expect? Attached Images

08-14-2009, 11:17 PM	#19
diggertodd diggertodd Join Date: May 2005 Location: Athens, Illinois Posts: 132	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Summit carbs are made in INDONESIA, if you go to hotrodders.com and search "summit carbs junk" you will find photos of broken apart (stressing the term broken) carbs illustrating poor machining etc. Not on my hot rods...

08-14-2009, 11:36 PM	#20
OregonC20 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 250	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? You guys are making it hard for me to decide now, . If I get an Edelbrock 750 CFM, can I expect fuel economy, performance, and reliability? If not, what other carb can offer me those requirements? But most important a carb that is going to work great with my application (396/402 CID).

08-14-2009, 11:37 PM	#21
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? I have not seen Holleys leak at the float bowl gaskets. I agree it looks like a leak waiting to happen but my 3310 has not leaked in 15 years. Also, they sell rubber gaskets, coated gaskets and other types of gaskets if you have leaking issues. The Summit carbs are two piece like the Edelbrock which is clearly much more leak resistant. I have read reviews on the Summit carbs that showed some casting flaws but no broken pieces. The casting flaws can be removed and for most applications, it won't even make any difference. Made in Indonesia does not necessarily mean they are junk and that is the reason they cost less. Also, I wonder how many of the Edelbrock parts are made abroad. Made in USA no longer means 100% made in the USA. These companies buy parts from everywhere and then try to pass them off as made here when, in fact, many of the individual parts may come from China, Mexico, etc.

08-14-2009, 11:51 PM	#22
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? You have a 5K lbs + truck with a 396 and you are worried about gas mileage?? lol I'm not a big fan of those spread bore Holleys. I like the good ole 3310/80508 carbs. You can get an adapter and it will work great. If it's just a daily driver, even the 1850 little 600 will work fine. I built one for a local guy and wanted to try and tune it before I handed it to him. Put it on a fresh 454 with a performer 2.0 intake, crane 270H cam and headers. IT RIPPED!!! There was a little fall off and the upper end but your motor isn't putting out what this thing is. Just about every carb listed above will work just fine. 'bout the only one I wouldn't go with is the quadra-snot. Not a fan. P.S. Mclairmo.....you and I sure think a lot alike on these carb posts!! ;o) __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video! Last edited by prostreetC-10; 08-14-2009 at 11:52 PM.



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08-14-2009, 11:58 PM	#23
big mike71 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: independence mo Posts: 2,111	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? [QUOTE=prostreetC-10;3465390]You have a 5K lbs + truck with a 396 and you are worried about gas mileage?? lol I don't get worrying about fuel mileage if it's not a daily driver, I only get 8 miles a gallon. __________________ I'm not as good as I once was, But I'm as good once as I ever was.

08-15-2009, 12:04 AM	#24
bigbadchev72 People know me Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hermiston, oregon Posts: 840	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? Just get another q-jet from a local shop that rebuilds them, they can usually install and tune it as well. q-jets have the small primarys that give you good torque and mpg and HUGE secondaries for when you need the power. You just got a bum deal on that carb. How does it perfom other than the leak? Edelbrocks will suck the gas down and not give you the throw you back in your seat when you open it up either __________________ 1972 k/5 blazer CST 4X4 Crate 350, th350/205, dana44with trac-loc/14 bolt with detroit locker, 4 wheel discs 4.56s, 8" suspension lift using 73-87springs, 1" zerorate custom front crossmember, HAD CV drivelines and driveshaft e-brake, full cage, PRP seats, Full autometer gauges, 38x14.5x16 Toyo M/Ts, 16x10 Polished aluminum rockcrusher wheels 1967 longbox 4x4, Strong 400/400/208, 44/12bolt 4.10s, 6" lift, 35" Toyo M/Ts on corvette rally wheels Last edited by bigbadchev72; 08-15-2009 at 12:05 AM.

08-15-2009, 12:33 AM	#25
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: Should I get a Holley for my Big Block? That looks like one that takes the short filter. Mine uses the long style with a thin plastic shim type thing on the inside of the fuel filter housing to seal it. Either way, just get it fixed. Seems like you spent a good bit of $ to have someone build it, and to throw it away now doesn't make sense.

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