WTD: Advice on 330 aftermarket intake manifold

tmaleck · October 19th, 2009, 10:59 AM

I'll be rebuilding the 330 in my 66 Cutlass and the stock cast iron manifold has to go. ;-) I'm going to use a midrange cam with something around 245 duration and about 500 lift and probably 3:73 gears with a TH200-R4 OD trans swap. I doubt the motor will see the far side of 5000 RPM very often. I would prefer to keep the original Q-jet and air cleaner. The two Edelbrock Performer series manifolds do not seem to have a provision for the original choke mechanism. The older OL4B seems like it might be OK, but I do not know about a choke provision. I'd appreciate any advice you folks could offer.

Thanks,
Tim

Bobsw32 · October 19th, 2009, 11:05 AM

Use the performer intake from Edelbrock and convert your choke to electric

You will be happy

J-(Chicago) · October 19th, 2009, 11:23 AM

If you're not going above 5000 rpm, you won't need a cam that big. Something like a Comp 256XE would be more appropriate.

captjim · October 19th, 2009, 11:29 AM

I agree with both "J" and Bob. Electric choke on the Q-jet, works great and trouble free. I do like the Performer intake more than most guys, but if there is enough cam and Cr, the RPM might be better.

245 @ .050 is a LOT of duration for a 330, IMO. Something like the 18-20 Engle (216/227) or the Voodoo 60802
http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=1722&gid=287
might be better choices for a driver, depending on the gear, converter, and compression ratio. And as has been stated many times before, a custom ground stick is about the same price.

tmaleck · October 19th, 2009, 12:25 PM

The Lunati link was a good one, thanks. I'm at a bit of a loss about the electric choke conversion. Is there a kit, or do I need stuff from a donor carb. Hopefully, it's been covered here and I just need a link to follow to read up on it.

Thanks again,
Tim

captjim · October 19th, 2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmaleck

The Lunati link was a good one, thanks. I'm at a bit of a loss about the electric choke conversion. Is there a kit, or do I need stuff from a donor carb. Hopefully, it's been covered here and I just need a link to follow to read up on it.

Thanks again,
Tim

There are gazillions of them at the local yards, if that is an option. Find a 12 volt source with ignition on, 3 screws, easy-breezy. Do a search here, it has been covered before.

Also as to the cam, there is more to it than just lift and duration. Those Voodoo cams are fast and IMO "act" smaller, building more cylinder pressure than older lazy grinds do. Intake opening and closing events are another factor. Do yourself a favor, call a pro.

tmaleck · October 19th, 2009, 08:31 PM

This carb uses an external choke and linkage rod. There is no choke housing on the carb. I can handle a hot air to electric conversion, but I'm not sure how you get a choke housing onto the original carb. I tried searching the archives here and had no real luck. I do appreciate the assistance, this is my first GM restoration, I'm used to Mopars and Mustangs.

Tim

Bobsw32 · October 20th, 2009, 05:51 AM

Pick up an Olds Quadrajet from 1970 on up that has the intregal housing and then rebuild it and transfer your jets and rods to it. Converting it to electric choke

Destructor · October 20th, 2009, 05:55 AM

I think the parts for the hot air choke system is available now.

olds 307 and 403 · October 24th, 2009, 05:44 PM

Carbs unlimited has an electric choke conversion for that style of choke.

October 19th, 2009, 10:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
tmaleck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 4	WTD: Advice on 330 aftermarket intake manifold I'll be rebuilding the 330 in my 66 Cutlass and the stock cast iron manifold has to go. ;-) I'm going to use a midrange cam with something around 245 duration and about 500 lift and probably 3:73 gears with a TH200-R4 OD trans swap. I doubt the motor will see the far side of 5000 RPM very often. I would prefer to keep the original Q-jet and air cleaner. The two Edelbrock Performer series manifolds do not seem to have a provision for the original choke mechanism. The older OL4B seems like it might be OK, but I do not know about a choke provision. I'd appreciate any advice you folks could offer. Thanks, Tim

October 19th, 2009, 11:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
J-(Chicago) Seasoned beater pilot. Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,698	If you're not going above 5000 rpm, you won't need a cam that big. Something like a Comp 256XE would be more appropriate. __________________ I'd rather have a numbers matching poker hand.

October 19th, 2009, 12:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
tmaleck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 4	good advice so far, one follow up The Lunati link was a good one, thanks. I'm at a bit of a loss about the electric choke conversion. Is there a kit, or do I need stuff from a donor carb. Hopefully, it's been covered here and I just need a link to follow to read up on it. Thanks again, Tim

October 19th, 2009, 08:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
tmaleck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 4	another clarification on the choke This carb uses an external choke and linkage rod. There is no choke housing on the carb. I can handle a hot air to electric conversion, but I'm not sure how you get a choke housing onto the original carb. I tried searching the archives here and had no real luck. I do appreciate the assistance, this is my first GM restoration, I'm used to Mopars and Mustangs. Tim

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October 19th, 2009, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bobsw32 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 119	Use the performer intake from Edelbrock and convert your choke to electric You will be happy

October 19th, 2009, 11:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
captjim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 378	I agree with both "J" and Bob. Electric choke on the Q-jet, works great and trouble free. I do like the Performer intake more than most guys, but if there is enough cam and Cr, the RPM might be better. 245 @ .050 is a LOT of duration for a 330, IMO. Something like the 18-20 Engle (216/227) or the Voodoo 60802 http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=1722&gid=287 might be better choices for a driver, depending on the gear, converter, and compression ratio. And as has been stated many times before, a custom ground stick is about the same price.

October 20th, 2009, 05:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bobsw32 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 119	Pick up an Olds Quadrajet from 1970 on up that has the intregal housing and then rebuild it and transfer your jets and rods to it. Converting it to electric choke

October 20th, 2009, 05:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
Destructor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Braintree, Mass Posts: 28	I think the parts for the hot air choke system is available now.

October 24th, 2009, 05:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
olds 307 and 403 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6	Carbs unlimited has an electric choke conversion for that style of choke.

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