I'm removing a propane system from a 65 442 with a 455 in it and going back to gasoline. I'm going to take off the dual quad Offy and I was going to put on the Edelbrock Torker I found in the trunk, but I've been told there will be no bottom end power and lousy gas mileage if I use it. I just want a normal driving car, and thought I could save money by using what I had.
Question 1-Has anybody got first hand knowledge of a Torker on a 455?
2-If not the Torker, what should I use? Stock, if I can find one?
3-If I don't use the Torker, does it have any value, or just junk?

 

It's just junk, I can pm you my address...you can junk it with me lol!

Seriously, the Torker is fine. When "they" say you'll lose bottom end power "they" forget it's an Olds and has gobs of torque. A performer might be a better choice for a mild engine, but if you've already got the Torker save yourself some coin and clean it up and slap it on.

 

When I purchased my fuel injection system for my 425, it came with a Torker that was set up for the injectors. I don't see any reason why there would be any problem with just using a carburetor. I'm sure the experts can elaborate that.

 

I am currently running a torker 455 intake and it runs perfectly fine. I have a 68 442 with a 400 and it runs smooth. When you drive a car like this gas mileage shouldnt be problem.

 

Never used a Torker, but had what I believe is a very similar Holley Street Dominator single plane when running a beefed 403 for awhile. Knowlegable engine tuners talked me into going dual plane, so went with an Edelbrock Performer. What a low end torque difference, and thing turned into a real tire shredder. I was sold, and just stayed with a Performer on my current 455.

 

I ran a Torker for years on the street and it was fine. Car ran mid 12's with a small cam. I prefer dual-planes for the street now but there is nothing wrong with a Torker.

 

Thanks for the info, guys. You've given me lots to consider.

 

I have a Torker on my 70 Cutlass right now with a Holley 750 double pumper on a 1" spacer. It kicks *** on the street.

 

Thanks Ely442. I wonder what it is about the dual plane that seems to be the key. Does the spacer under your Holley help, I wonder. Maybe the longer travel gives the vapours more time to warm. Most people seem to think the single planes are only really kick-*** at high rpm. Perhaps I can compensate by going with a spacer like you did. Just don't know enough about it.

 

 

To be honest with you, i feel a little more torque than horsepower and the rpm goes up faster. Plus, since the Torker is a little higher than a dual plane, I use the spacer to make the carb higher to reach for more air from the ram air hood that I have. If you are going to use the same setup as I did and you have a stock hood be careful for the carb and hood clearance.

 

A fellow answered my wanted ad yesterday, and said he'd sell me a 72 455 stock 4 barrel intake for $80. He's not far away, so I'm thinking I might buy it and get the engine a little closer to stock. Still have to figure out which carb to use, but that's another adventure.

 

A dual quad offy? Is the engine stock?

I'm not saying it won't work on a stock engine, but it's a single plane good from 3500 to 7500 rpm. I'm saying its a waste on a stock engine. You would be better off with a stock or a performer. They are rated from idle/1500 - 6500 rpm.

 

dave, i have a torker here also, i would use it before going back to cast iron, just the weight saving would be worth it. for a stock look, a little engine paint should do the trick. and you save $80

 

Actually, I'm removing the Offy. It came on the car when I bought it and I'm probably going to go stock cast, and flog the dual quad. I prefer my cars to be a little closer to stock and relaxing to drive. If I'm lucky someone will give me $200-$250 for the Offy. Might be good for a racing engine, but that's not me.

 

But.... is your engine stock? Iwould think with the Offy on it it may be a little more than that.

 

Uncertain if it's stock. It came with two propane tanks, lines, mixers, etc. all feeding into the dual quad intake. So much aluminum you couldn't see the engine. It ran smooth as a baby's bottom, and had tons of power, but I have no way of knowing what work was done to the engine. Previous owner had it only 11 months. Said it would only go 60 miles on a full load of propane ($60 worth), but got there quickly.
He said it was 11.5 to 1 compression ratio, but once again, I have no way of knowing. He also said it was a Turbo 350, but it's a 400. The diff is a 12 bolt Chev posi. I was told it had 3.73 gears, but I just made sure the clutches were tight, never checked the ratio.

 

Hey Dave, what about running the Offy with dual quads? The propane setup can be removed and you could run gas through the carbs as it' similar to the forklifts I used to run. They may need to be cleaned up a bit but I bet it would run just fine!

 

Interesting thought, but my carb guy said "don't even go there". I better listen to him, he's usually right. I'll go for simplicity. I've got the Offy removed today, and the person who's coming tomorrow to buy the propane system said they'd look at it. If he doesn't want it I'll offer it for sale here or CL or E-Bay, maybe all three !!