Is edelbrock 1406 too big for stock 305?

[edwardgonzalez]

I recently installed a 305 from an 86 caprice in my 81 pickup. It's a really clean engine it must have been recently rebuilt. It had an electric controlled carburetor on it and a lot of emissions items on it. I removed the smog pump along with all the other emissions items. I installed headers also. Anyway I have a new 1406 carburetor and I read on a post on this website that I would most likely have to change the jets and metering rods. I called the edelbrock hotline to get some suggestions on what size should be good for my application. The carburetor tech told me not to bother. That it was too big a Carburetor for my engine. I asked if maybe I changed the metering rod and jets if it would help and he told me not to bother. What do you guys suggest. I really don't want to mess up this engine prematurely it's so clean. I Plan on using the stock manifold with an adapter plate. I do have a Holley fuel pressure regulator to make sure it's not getting too much fuel but do you guys have any suggestions. My local carburetor guru wants to charge me $300 to rebuild my quadrajet and since that's how much I paid for the engine it seems like a bit much to me. Any suggestions?

[69heavychevy]

Put a regulator inline and set it to around 5 psi. The 1406 run leaner than the 1405 btw. Technically it is a little big for a 305 but you wont hurt anything other than the gas mileage you could have been getting from a more appropriately sized carb. If I were you I'd throw the 1406 on the engine as is and enjoy your square.

[wilkin250r]

If it's good enough for a 350 engine, I don't think a 305 is a serious downgrade. It might be a little big, but I can't imagine it's a deal-breaker.

[bowtiebutler956]

The 1406 will be fine on your 305. The 1406 is just a 600 cfm Carter AFB thats been around since the 60's. Edelbrock bought the design. They are a good carb, and while it might be better suited on a 350, it will work just fine on your 305.

Matt

[edwardgonzalez]

I was also thinking about putting in an msd 6al box that I have. Would that help any? I have an accel distributor in it which seems to be working well. I plan on setting the fuel pressure at 5. Does anyone know what jets and metering rods I should use? If it was running rich is it something that will damage my engine?

[Dead Parrot]

Matching the carb to the engine is more important for race track use where you are normally at or near WOT. For a daily driver, the carb is almost always operating at part throttle and matching doesn't matter since the throttle plates are the restriction. GM used Qjets on motors from 327 to 454. I think the normal Qjet is a 750cfm. Don't know if a 305, 307, or 283 ever saw a factory installed Qjet.

I know some folks say you need a pressure regulator but the Carter AFB the 1400s are based on worked just fine with the stock GM mechanical fuel pumps. I don't have a regulator on my 1405 and it has worked fine for over 15 years.

Just put it on with the proper adapter plates for whatever manifold you use and enjoy. I wouldn't worry about messing with rods or jets for a while.

[natedogg]

I have a 1406 with a Edelbrock EPS manifold on the 305 in my 85 C10. I get 16mi a gallon hwy with the stock chevy fuel pump. It runs perfect. I even tried a pressure regulator and It made absolutely no difference, so I took it off. Put the 1406 on your 305 and enjoy.

[geezer#99]

If you think it's running rich, don't blame the carb.
In fact leave it alone.
Maximize your timing. Maximum initial timing will allow you to close the throttle to where it's supposed to be to idle on the idle circuit.

[wilkin250r]

Running rich will decrease fuel milage, and increase the chances of fouled plugs. Other than that, no risk of internal engine damage.

Running LEAN can cause engine damage, it can melt holes in pistons, or create hot spots and detonation (destroying pistons).

[OutlawDrifter]

as said earlier, the 1406 is set lean from edelbrock. i've ran them on a lot of different setups including 305's. if i had the choice of the 1406 or a q-jet, i'd go q-jet though. just my personal preference. not a computer controlled q-jet, let me be clear about that.

throw the 1406 on, get your timing set, and adjust the carb with a vacuum gauge, and you'll be good to go.

[old Rusty C10]

I had one on mine for three years was never an issue

[68c10owner]

Had one on a 283 years ago, cant see why it wont work on your 305. The edelbrock carbs are different than most. It may be rated at 600cfm but your 305 wont pull the whole 600cfm from it. It will only pull what it needs. I`m about to put one on my stock 305.

[akart]

Pick up an Edelbrock carb tuning kit. It contains jets, metering rods and springs & instructions. Tune the carb to the motor. Check the plugs, check the acceleration etc. I did this w/a new 1406 on my 350 and there were jets and such to make it leaner. Have Fun!