1971 Olds 442 Carburetor Replacement Question

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Old February 27th, 2019, 04:40 PM
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1971 Olds 442 Carburetor Replacement Question

Greetings:
I've been running the MSD Atomic EFI System in my car (1971 Olds w/ 455) for the past ten years or longer. The system has been relatively trouble free for all these years, but is now having some issues. I'm thinking about removing the system and going back to a carburetor. My car has a TKO 600 five-speed, functional OAI Ram Air and aluminum W-30 Intake Manifold. The car is just a weekend cruiser with highway driving mixed in.

Could someone recommend the best type (brand) and CFM carburetor that I should consider? I'm not looking for added performance, only easy starting and reliability for my weekend drives. I had a Quadrajet on the car before I went with the EFI system. The car is not matching #'s, so there is no need to go back to the Quadrajet.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks...
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Old February 28th, 2019, 01:25 AM
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I think the quadrajet is the best overall carb when set up correctly. Everyday Performance, Cliff Ruggles and a few others do wonders with quadrajets. Besides good performance the throttle linkage, hoses and air cleaner will fit right. Good luck with your conversion, I must say 10 years of trouble free service is outstanding.
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Old February 28th, 2019, 09:10 AM
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Cliff did the Quadrajet on my black 71 442 and it runs awesome! He'll tune it for your application. Worked out well for me.
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Old February 28th, 2019, 09:39 AM
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Another thought - can MSD service your current setup? Ashame to throw it away if its given you 10 tears good service & its already set up.
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Old February 28th, 2019, 02:20 PM
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With a factory intake and OAI I would use a quadrajet If you are not worried about numbers the mid to late 70's carbs flowed 850CFM in factory form. Next choice would be spread bore aftermarket carb Good Luck
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Old February 28th, 2019, 02:28 PM
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Thanks to all for responding to my question. I'll give MSD Tech a call and see if they have a solution to the problem I'm having with the system. If the issue can't be resolved, I'll pick up another Quadrajet and get in touch with Cliff. Thanks again for the response!
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Old February 28th, 2019, 02:49 PM
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I'd fix the EFI, to go back to a carb you'll need a fuel pump also.
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Old February 28th, 2019, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by oldcutlass
I'd fix the EFI, to go back to a carb you'll need a fuel pump also.
Or a new fuel pressure regulator possibly. I would guess he has a fuel pump now
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