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The '64 my dad and I recently picked up came with the original carb (in a box) and an Edlebrock on the car. I know very little about carbs, but one of the plans this winter will be to get one of these carbs rebuilt (so I know I'm starting with something solid) and tune it in the spring. I'd be happy to go back to the stock carb, but would stick with the newer one if it offered some advantage. Thoughts?
Yes, should be original carb. This is an L76 engine (or at least that's what I was told and so far most things seem to confirm that). I also have the correct air cleaner for this Holley carb.
Last edited by Patrick03; 10-21-2016 at 10:25 AM.
Reason: Added info on air cleaner
I'm not intimate with the finenite details of Hollyes. Do you know if your Holley is the exact correct, possible original one for your car? What about other components being correct/numbers matching? If the car is/must stay stock/original, have the Holley rebuilt and install. If other things are not correct/non-stock you could pack the Holley up and continue the use of the Edelbrock AFB. I have used them since 1976 (165,000 miles) and find them very easy to tune/adjust. They are very capable for power and good gas milage. Look on the left front mount pad and tell us the four digit number. Also, what engine do you have? Dennis
Yes, should be original carb. This is an L76 engine (or at least that's what I was told and so far most things seem to confirm that). I also have the correct air cleaner for this Holley carb.
should be and are is two different things. what are the numbers on the air horn and whats on the stamp pad. if it is indeed a real L76 with a born with motor and a correct carb then the Holley needs to be rebuilt and put back on. if you got a Heinz 57 going on then run what you like
Last edited by Nowhere Man; 10-21-2016 at 10:29 AM.
You can spend lots of $$ on a Holley if it's not overhauled properly. The biggest thing is the modular surfaces sealing preventing internal fuel and vacuum leaks. Plus, checking the size of all the air bleeds, jets etc. in case someone else was there before.
I say get a book and go for it, the Holley will run nice on that engine, once you get into it there is plenty of help here if need be. Adjusting the hot air choke can be hard to understand at first but you have the internet to help.
The Edelbrock carbs, patterned after the Carter AFB, tend to be generic in their calibration. They work fine, but are not optimal. Whenever I see one on a done car, I think 'shortcut' or 'cop-out'. I would go with the Holley. Done right, it's a better carb.
The Edelbrock carbs, patterned after the Carter AFB, tend to be generic in their calibration. They work fine, but are not optimal. Whenever I see one on a done car, I think 'shortcut' or 'cop-out'. I would go with the Holley. Done right, it's a better carb.
The Eddy's are sub-optimized so Joe Blow can stick them on an intake manifold and generally drive off with minimal-to-no tweaking.
I've used them before but I'm on a 12 step program and trying to stop. My sponsor has to talk me down occasionally
If a person takes the time to read the tech data and understand it, and then makes use of the available adjustments, calibrations, along with the Tunning Kit, including jets and rods etc. the Edelbrock will impressed them with its reliability and performance. Anything less is what you get! Dennis
If a person takes the time to read the tech data and understand it, and then makes use of the available adjustments, calibrations, along with the Tunning Kit, including jets and rods etc. the Edelbrock will impressed them with its reliability and performance. Anything less is what you get! Dennis
I did say Joe Blow
Beyond that I just flat out don't like the blingy look with some person's name emblazoned across a red banner on my motor - I don't care who he is.
Yes, the picture of the Edelbrock install in this thread is a definite Joe Blow installation. It has the required bolt-inserted-into-fuel-line vacuum plug, and mangled and bent throttle return spring of questionable integrity. The odds of it being calibrated and tuned to this engine? Zero.
that is NOT the original Holley the original was a Holley R2818A #3849804. so its not even a service dated carb. its just a pre 1972 hot rod type unit.
If a person takes the time to read the tech data and understand it, and then makes use of the available adjustments, calibrations, along with the Tunning Kit, including jets and rods etc. the Edelbrock will impressed them with its reliability and performance. Anything less is what you get! Dennis
There are infinite tweaks that can be done to a Edelbrock(or
AFB) on the primary circuits. Extremely reliable, no power valve blowouts, easy to work on if desired.
The base carbs are very affordable, the ones with adjustable secondaries cost quite a bit more.
The Edelbrock carbs, patterned after the Carter AFB, tend to be generic in their calibration. They work fine, but are not optimal. Whenever I see one on a done car, I think 'shortcut' or 'cop-out'. I would go with the Holley. Done right, it's a better carb.
Agreed.
I like that the votes are going towards the Holley for a change. Doesn't always happen around here. The Holleys are just fine and I like to open a hood and see one. Edelbrocks are usually on the same car that has universal flex rad hoses.
10-21-2016, 09:57 AM
Carb Question - Go Back to Stock?
Dennis
The Eddy's are sub-optimized so Joe Blow can stick them on an intake manifold and generally drive off with minimal-to-no tweaking. 
