Carb question

[74_novacustom]

I have a 74 nova 350/350 with the stock quadrajet 4 bbl carb, i heard that you can take off the lever that opens the back two barrels at a certain Rpm, the person said that this will give me a substaintial power increase. is this a good idea? will the MPG's be effected? thank you!!

[AlmostStock]

Is your engine stock? If so the car will run best with the carb set close to factory specs. Rebuild and readjust if necessary. The secondaries open by vacuum as needed and you can adjust this. If you make them open mechanically before the engine is ready for the extra air/fuel the car will bog. If your engine is modified then tuning the carb will give you improved performance. Get one of the Quadrajet books that explain every system of the carb in detail. Quadrajets are 750 cfm and can easily supply 500 HP big blocks when set up properly.

[74_novacustom]

thank you. yes my engine is stock except for i took off the cats and and am running dual glasspacks. the stock quadrajet is a 750 cfm?? wow i didnt realize it was that big .also what would you recommend doing to get the most horsepower for the cheapest?? thank you

[AlmostStock]

Originally Posted by 74_novacustom

thank you. yes my engine is stock except for i took off the cats and and am running dual glasspacks. the stock quadrajet is a 750 cfm?? wow i didnt realize it was that big .also what would you recommend doing to get the most horsepower for the cheapest?? thank you

74's didn't come with cats, 75 was the first year for them. But I'm sure your glasspacks sound nice. They also made an 850 Quadrajet. I think it came on 472 or 500 Cadillacs. The most HP for the cheapest? That's easy, NOS. Just make sure the engine is up to the task if you go that route. If you don't want NOS then it's back to the basics. Headers, intake, cam. Quickening up the centrifugal advance in the distributor helps even on stock motors and is cheap. Just look for a spring kit from Summit Racing or wherever and follow the directions.