Torn between Carb vs Holley Sniper

[Ultrasummer]

Well my old 307 finally gave up the ghost and died. Time for a replacement. Luckily...I have a guy. So we are talking about different options. I just want a dependable, not a hot rod, reliable 350. More talks, more options. Then we come to the point of using my existing (new) Holley 2 barrel carb 350 cfm, vs going Holley Sniper with this. The Sniper does sound kind of "turn key" and I like that. I'm aware of the price. Would any of you guys put a brand new Holley 2 barrel on a new GM 350 engine? Or should I put it on the shelf for another project on down the line and go with the Sniper?


1968 short bed stepside
T5 transmission
3.73 gears

[jimijam00]

I would not unless I drove it a lot in temps below 45f and cared about the extra 2-3 miles per gallon.

[Jrainman]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

I would not unless I drove it a lot in temps below 45f and cared about the extra 2-3 miles per gallon.

I agree unless you need cold starts , I went with the FI with my new L31 /2004r set up because it was my daily driver for work and at 4 am in the winter it works well but now I am retired and been thinking about going to carb

[Ultrasummer]

You'd go with a carb, even though it's a 2 barrel? And thanks for your input.

[geezer#99]

Think of it this way!
How often do you use the secondaries on a 4 bbl?
On a daily driver or use once in awhile mild motor likely rarely.

[Getter-Done]

My Vote is for the Carburetor .
Keep it simple.









.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

I would not unless I drove it a lot in temps below 45f and cared about the extra 2-3 miles per gallon.

?????? I don't understand this.

[Rickysnickers]

If you decide to purchase a Sniper kit, you might want to do some research on them. There have been some not so good reviews on them from folks who have bought them.

[jocko]

I'd buy the basic GM crate 350 from Summit (NOT the 290 hp version) - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12681429, (put a different cam in it only if you want to wake it up a little more) and install the new 2 bbl carb you already have rather than EFI. Having said that, I'd personally install a Q-jet which has relatively small primaries - and drive it conservatively with mpg in mind - in which case it is basically a 2-barrel until you stomp on it. So, just don't stomp on it. But - it's there if you ever want to. My 2c

[truck-kid]

I say put the carb on they have a choke if need be for cold performance. You have it and can spend the money later if your not happy with the performance of it and you will have something to compare the performance to if you do convert to F.I.

[Old_Gold]

I guess I would get the details on the engine first, and see what kind of flow you need/ want for air fuel mix.
Then comes the carb vs. FI debate, but research both. 350 cfm sounds low to me, so it may not be the right pick for this build, even if you decide on going carbed.

Jim

[Ultrasummer]

Originally Posted by jocko

I'd buy the basic GM crate 350 from Summit (NOT the 290 hp version) - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12681429, (put a different cam in it only if you want to wake it up a little more) and install the new 2 bbl carb you already have rather than EFI. Having said that, I'd personally install a Q-jet which has relatively small primaries - and drive it conservatively with mpg in mind - in which case it is basically a 2-barrel until you stomp on it. So, just don't stomp on it. But - it's there if you ever want to. My 2c

I like the idea of something like this, but I have to ask,.....why not the 290 HP version?

[HO455]

The 290 hp engine has the reputation of being underpowered. Do a search on it before making your choice. Which may not be an issue with the 2 barrel carburetor.

[Ultrasummer]

So let me get this straight, Don't go with the 290 HP engine because it has a reputation of being underpowered, but the highlighted and suggested 350 is rated at 249 HP ??? I know I originally said I wanted a plain jane reliable 350 that was not a hot rod engine but I don't want to be underpowered either.

[tutone]

Here is my take. I had the same 2 bbl carb on a 304 in a jeep. It was an excellent carb on a 3000 lb cj5. As far as a sniper, a buddy of mine bought one for a SB400 in a 69 camaro. Kept fighting it for a few months and finally gave up on it. Now your truck is heavier than the jeep or the camaro , so it will require more fuel to push it through the wind. I get the ls movement and EFI, but not me. I do my own mechanic work on my hot rods and if I load them up with modern, computer controled items, I would be tying my hands behind my back. Yes, I would get a 350, yes I would put the 2 bbl on it and give it a whirl. It is already paid for I assume, so you will be out a set of intake gaskets. If it isn't enough, then upgrade. Good luck.

[Ultrasummer]

Well I guess I should put out there, after giving it some thought....I'm not opposed to some middle ground on the fuel systems. Yes I have the new Holley 2 barrel already. Yes the thought was going with some variation of EFI. But after some thinking, ...The cost of a more appropriate 4 barrel carb will still be half the cost of EFI and might possibly be a better final solution. Still open to any of these options. I appreciate all of your feedback while I'm kind of thinking out loud to myself....and others.

[geezer#99]

Don’t get hung up on the ‘numbers’ game.
That linked 350 at 249hp is just the basic 195 hp motor with an added aluminum intake and 4bbl carb.
Higher numbers on the hp always are thought to be better.
Just compare a 69 z28 with 290 hp to a 70 Hemi with 425 hp. The z28 blew the doors off the Hemi 99% of the time.
The newer 350/290 hp motor is a pooch because it has way too much cam for it’s compression ratio.
Here’s some info on cam and compression ratio’s.

https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/..._compatibility

A base 350 will definitely have more power than your stock 307.
It makes a good base to start from if you do some major upgrades later on.
And it’s fairly cheap.
First start for cam break in is always critical so I’ve always tried to use a carb/intake and distributor I know is ready to go. Easy to swap intake/carb later.

Her’s the 195 hp motor.
You’ll notice it has te same part number as the summit one.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12681429.html

Best of luck to ya!

[jocko]

Originally Posted by Ultrasummer

I like the idea of something like this, but I have to ask,.....why not the 290 HP version?

Some folks have already touched on the reasons. Bottom line, you'd pay a little less and not get an over-cammed engine that needs a cam change out of the box (in other words - many folks buy the 195 hp version, swap in a more appropriate cam before install, and have a better combo than the 290 hp version for about the same price as the 290 hp engine - that is what I was really getting at with my comment). Another very good option to explore is an L31/L31R crate. They have vortec heads and 1-piece rear seals and notably better performance. Some folks don't like them because of the center bolt valve covers - but adapters for the original valve covers are available if you want to retain the original look. Having said that, do your homework (TONS of info on this site about this topic) so you are aware all the nuances of installing an L31 in your truck. Things like requiring an electric fuel pump, accessory drives for long water pump, etc etc. Several little items, none of which are insurmountable and all of which have been captured and discussed, and complained about in some cases, on this site. An additional option, if $ aren't really a big issue, is swapping in a GM HT383. That is a very nice engine - hot rod that can be driven daily and behave mildly. But it is significantly more $. Worth looking at though just to compare stats. Prices are going up(!) The 195 hp stock 350s used to be available for as low as $1800 at Radley and Summit just a few months ago it seems.

[geezer#99]

In your motor selection you also need to consider your transmission torque rating.
I see you have a T5.
Not the strongest trans but limited to at most 300 ft/lbs of torque depending on which one you have.

[SunSoaked]

Just throw $1000 down the toilet. That's what you'll get with Sniper. Speaking from experience. Research the threads on here about my and sweetk30's experience. Still not convinced? Start reading the posts on the Holley Sniper forum. When you're ready to step into the 21st century, look at the Pro-Flo 4 system.

[Ultrasummer]

A lot to think about. I appreciate the input.

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by Ultrasummer

So let me get this straight, Don't go with the 290 HP engine because it has a reputation of being underpowered, but the highlighted and suggested 350 is rated at 249 HP ??? I know I originally said I wanted a plain jane reliable 350 that was not a hot rod engine but I don't want to be underpowered either.

Look at the power range. The 290 hp has power at high rpms and is a dog at low rpms where you need it.

[Rick Bollinger]

Another option instead of a crate is to get ahold of your local machine shop and have them build what you are after. Talk to them tell them what you want chances are they will have a block ready to be machined. I ordered the Edelbrock top end kit the machine shop is doing the short block with the rotating assembly for the 383. Balanced and blueprinted dyno tested and broke in for less than a crate and I know the block was only 030 over and was a scat rotating assy. I also have some one local to talk to face to face if there are issues. And a big bonus I pop in from time to time to check on progress and see it dyno'd when its done. To me that's priceless. All for less than a crate.

[Rick Bollinger]

Here is a picture of my block getting ready to be align bored for bearings. I am beyond stoked.

[52napco]

Strongly recommended the Howell TBI Kit...all gm parts that are readily available anywhere and very reliable. DO NOT PUT CHINESE CRAP ON YOUR TRUCK