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

 

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

You will be happy

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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