help me decide on switching carbs

[topstorey]

I have a 72 cutlass 350 2 bbl and I'm getting closer to deciding on switching to a 4 bbl. I want to use an adapter with a remanufactured stock 4 barrel for that year. It already has headers and I use it for everyday driving around town and highway, NOT weekend strip racing or anything like that.

OPINIONS, SUGGESTIONS?

[MagicRat]

If you have already put headers on it, consider using a Holley or Edelbrock carb. They are more easily tuned for better performance than the stock Q-jet carb. Also, IMHO real 4 bbl manifolds (stock cast iron and aftermarket aluminum) are cheap and widly available. Adaptors are not such a good idea......your intake was designed for a 2 bbl,adaptors are rarely as good as using a true 4bbl manifold.
Personally, I would use a matched set of Holley or Edelbrock intake manifold AND carb.

See this thread for a lively discussion on which brand is better:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=331440

[blkmonday]

ive always had luck with edelbrock for street situations. i run a edelbrock performer with the edelbrock spreadbore performer 650cfm on my 66 olds 425. the motor is modified 30 over with dual exaust and a mid to mild crane cam. the carb and manifold pretty much bolted right on and were in tune right out of the box. holley carbs tend to need a little more tweaking to get them right for the car...the edelbrocks there is no need for changing jets or power valves etc. like the holleys. knock on wood mine has been bulletproof for the past 5 years or so. the edelbrocks look real nice polished and are priced reasonable. some people are partial to carter some to holleys...what have you. but for reliability without constant tuning this has been my "personal" favorite carb.

[MrPbody]

What MagicRat says about adapters is absolutely correct. NEVER use one to go bigger on top (it's not uncommon to see them adapting a Holley 2-bbl. to a good performance intake where rules require the 2-bbl). Edelbrock Performer and a well-built Q-Jet is the best setup for a mild small Olds. The mid '70s Q-Jets are 800 CFM and self-controlling (secondary air valve acts like a vacuum unit).
Edelbrock carbs are clones of the Carter. It is said, immitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If you like the E-carb, you'll LOVE the Carter... For horsepower, Holley is the ticket. For driving with performance, hard to beat the Rochester. Ignore all the BS about Q-Jets being junk. With a competent builder, the Q-Jet is excellent.