Carb question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Carb question
My old non-original 35-40 year old engine was probably beyond repair. I'm having a re-built L76 engine from Classic Engine installed in my '65 (also re-building tranny & new clutch). It's mostly stock except it only has a 10.5:1 CR, plus minor internal improvements & I requested roller tipped rockers.
I currently have a non-original 600 cfm Holley 1850 with a manual choke. I need help deciding whether to purchase a re-built stock Holley 4150-2818 or something newer and larger, perhaps a 750 cfm Holley 4160-3310.
I'm not a mechanic, but would like to end up with a smooth running machine. Tom w/ Classic Engine told me the carb was a limiting factor with the original setup. Anyone know if a 750 cfm 3310 will fit and work well with my original aluminum hi-rise manifold and reproduction L76 air cleaner? Is it a worthwhile ugrade in terms of performance/maintenance? Should I use a vacuum assist or mechanical secondary? Anything else I should know?
Your comments and opinions will be helpful. Thanks.
I currently have a non-original 600 cfm Holley 1850 with a manual choke. I need help deciding whether to purchase a re-built stock Holley 4150-2818 or something newer and larger, perhaps a 750 cfm Holley 4160-3310.
I'm not a mechanic, but would like to end up with a smooth running machine. Tom w/ Classic Engine told me the carb was a limiting factor with the original setup. Anyone know if a 750 cfm 3310 will fit and work well with my original aluminum hi-rise manifold and reproduction L76 air cleaner? Is it a worthwhile ugrade in terms of performance/maintenance? Should I use a vacuum assist or mechanical secondary? Anything else I should know?
Your comments and opinions will be helpful. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
I currently have a non-original 600 cfm Holley 1850 with a manual choke. I need help deciding whether to purchase a re-built stock Holley 4150-2818 or something newer and larger, perhaps a 750 cfm Holley 4160-3310.
Tom w/ Classic Engine told me the carb was a limiting factor with the original setup. Anyone know if a 750 cfm 3310 will fit and work well with my original aluminum hi-rise manifold and reproduction L76 air cleaner? Is it a worthwhile ugrade in terms of performance/maintenance? Should I use a vacuum assist or mechanical secondary? Anything else I should know?
Your comments and opinions will be helpful. Thanks.
Tom w/ Classic Engine told me the carb was a limiting factor with the original setup. Anyone know if a 750 cfm 3310 will fit and work well with my original aluminum hi-rise manifold and reproduction L76 air cleaner? Is it a worthwhile ugrade in terms of performance/maintenance? Should I use a vacuum assist or mechanical secondary? Anything else I should know?
Your comments and opinions will be helpful. Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Smyrna GA
My '65 L76 had a 3310 Holley 750 cfm on it when I got it. It wasn't a great street carb for this application, IMO.
I replaced it with a Holley Street Avenger 670 cfm with vacuum secondaries and an electric choke. Just this one change improved the car's drivability immensely.
While you may suffer a bit of ultimate top end power with this carb as compared to the 750, it certainly makes for a MUCH more pleasant street cruiser. The engine starts almost immediately and my gas mileage is noticeably better as well, not that fuel economy was a consideration.
With either the 3310 or the Street avenger you'll have to slightly modify the base of your stock air cleaner to clear the float level adjustment fittings. I used a '67-68 Z28 repro stainless fuel line which eliminates the rubber connecting hose and looks nice. The NCRS guys won't approve but I enjoy driving my '65 more than looking at it.
I replaced it with a Holley Street Avenger 670 cfm with vacuum secondaries and an electric choke. Just this one change improved the car's drivability immensely.
While you may suffer a bit of ultimate top end power with this carb as compared to the 750, it certainly makes for a MUCH more pleasant street cruiser. The engine starts almost immediately and my gas mileage is noticeably better as well, not that fuel economy was a consideration.
With either the 3310 or the Street avenger you'll have to slightly modify the base of your stock air cleaner to clear the float level adjustment fittings. I used a '67-68 Z28 repro stainless fuel line which eliminates the rubber connecting hose and looks nice. The NCRS guys won't approve but I enjoy driving my '65 more than looking at it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,797
Likes: 239
From: Ocean Township NJ
My old non-original 35-40 year old engine was probably beyond repair. I'm having a re-built L76 engine from Classic Engine installed in my '65 (also re-building tranny & new clutch). It's mostly stock except it only has a 10.5:1 CR, plus minor internal improvements & I requested roller tipped rockers.
I currently have a non-original 600 cfm Holley 1850 with a manual choke. I need help deciding whether to purchase a re-built stock Holley 4150-2818 or something newer and larger, perhaps a 750 cfm Holley 4160-3310.
I'm not a mechanic, but would like to end up with a smooth running machine. Tom w/ Classic Engine told me the carb was a limiting factor with the original setup. Anyone know if a 750 cfm 3310 will fit and work well with my original aluminum hi-rise manifold and reproduction L76 air cleaner? Is it a worthwhile ugrade in terms of performance/maintenance? Should I use a vacuum assist or mechanical secondary? Anything else I should know?
Your comments and opinions will be helpful. Thanks.
I currently have a non-original 600 cfm Holley 1850 with a manual choke. I need help deciding whether to purchase a re-built stock Holley 4150-2818 or something newer and larger, perhaps a 750 cfm Holley 4160-3310.
I'm not a mechanic, but would like to end up with a smooth running machine. Tom w/ Classic Engine told me the carb was a limiting factor with the original setup. Anyone know if a 750 cfm 3310 will fit and work well with my original aluminum hi-rise manifold and reproduction L76 air cleaner? Is it a worthwhile ugrade in terms of performance/maintenance? Should I use a vacuum assist or mechanical secondary? Anything else I should know?
Your comments and opinions will be helpful. Thanks.
Your 461 intake is the limiting factor, as well as the 585 cfm carb, but replacing the carb without replacing the intake manifold as well would be a mistake.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Thanks.
If the original intake manifold is also a limiting factor, might as well leave the 1850 on it for now. It's re-built and working fine.
Has anyone else purchased an engine from Classic Engine in Osh Kosh?
Jerry
If the original intake manifold is also a limiting factor, might as well leave the 1850 on it for now. It's re-built and working fine.
Has anyone else purchased an engine from Classic Engine in Osh Kosh?
Jerry
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Smyrna GA
Absolutely...I had one on my ex-'61 Impala SS that had a 350 that was built very similar to a L79 including the 151-spec camshaft. The previous owner had also installed a 750 cfm Holley 3310, and it ran rich and got horrible mileage. The 670 Street Avenger totally transformed that engine into a very pleasant driver with no other changes. That car had an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake which was more like a LT-1 design.
My '65 has the original L76 block with an incorrect 1966 L79 ("490") intake which works just fine with the 670 carb.
My '65 has the original L76 block with an incorrect 1966 L79 ("490") intake which works just fine with the 670 carb.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,797
Likes: 239
From: Ocean Township NJ
Either the Holley 0-80610 or 0-81610 is a great match for the engine, camshaft, intake manifold. It has adjustable vacuum secondaries, which is nice. It has center hung floats, which use a different float bowl than the side hung floats on the stock (2818) carburetor. Unfortunately, that will require modification to your very expensive air cleaner base, if you are using an "original" or reproduction. If you are, then your best bet would be to replace the air cleaner base with the one used in 1966-67 Corvette with 300/350 HP engines. It will also require you to bend the throttle rod for clearance, and you can continue to use your air cleaner's cover, but with an open element air filter (AC - A212CW or equivalent).
Last edited by 65tripleblack; Jan 31, 2010 at 06:08 PM.
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