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I have a 1971 Olds cutlass with a 350 and #7 heads. The heads are coming out to be rebuilt. I was thinking of replacing the original manifold and quad 4 barrel carb. What are some good suggestions? Any other items to update?
In my opinion... Unless you want a really fast car, There's not mach better than the original Q-jet. Lots and lots of engineering went into making it run great back when it was built. I love the way my 71 Cutlass runs, all stock.
What is a good quad jet rebuild kit to buy? Mine needs a rebuild. Also can the manifold be painted gold like the block? Where is a good place to get some of that gold paint used for the block?
I use http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/ and just bought a kit for my 72 for $46.95 plus shipping. More than parts store kits but they are much better quality and include a lot more than parts store kits (float, secondary air valve cam, springs, thicker gaskets etc.). The rubber parts DO NOT deteriorate from the crap in todays gas.
IMHO, the Quadrajet is the best carb for the street, unless you are driving a seriously modified strip car.
Yeah Cliff has a book that I bought and it was great, I was going to rebuild a carb this winter and then found a correct # one on ebay and bought it all done which worked out great. But the book is worth it. You can get the gold engine paint at Napa etc, I can't remember what brand it is. I've heard it's not absolutely correct but looks good to me.
Be careful of Cliff's advice to remove the idle air tubes for cleaning.
He makes it sound like no big deal, but I was careful and did what he said, and destroyed mine.
Had to shoot him a ten-spot, plus $4 shipping, to get another pair.
I always replace the idle tubes and increase size to .038" and enlarge the idle down channel and idle discharge port. I usually add or increase bypass air. This usually gives me a throttles shut at idle with good mixture control at the screws and minimum transfer slot exposure. 10-15% ethanol additive requires additional fuel across the entire curve. Cliff will sell you the correct jetting and rods for your application.
I always replace the idle tubes and increase size to .038" and enlarge the idle down channel and idle discharge port. I usually add or increase bypass air. This usually gives me a throttles shut at idle with good mixture control at the screws and minimum transfer slot exposure. 10-15% ethanol additive requires additional fuel across the entire curve. Cliff will sell you the correct jetting and rods for your application.
Curious, do use numbered or standard bits to get that size? I have a 83 Canadian non CCC large castings carb that desperately needs the idle circuits enlarged. I need to pick up another copy of Cliff Ruggles book and do a total overhaul this Winter.
April 12th, 2013, 05:20 PM
