Would like to know any recommendations/ where to buy

 

Why dont you rebuild what you have?

 

There are a couple or three of these How To Q-Jet books.

 

Cliff Ruggles's book is really good, I much prefer it over Doug Roe's book. However, I think both are pretty light on the intricacies of the E4ME quadrajets, and there can be some special tools required to adjust the primary mixture solenoid.

However, it will be the cheapest route and provide the best response if you go down that path, other than putting an M4ME on.

 

Contemplated the same question last year. After doing all my research, I ended up having the stock carb rebuilt. It's a decent carb and it responded well to simple modifications like a new intake manifold and headers. It was totally the right choice.

 

If you still have the original (electronically controlled) Q-Jet...and the rest of the '81 ignition system components and ECU are still viable...send the carb to Lars Grimsrud and have him rebuild it. I would suggest that you also send the distributor with it to have them tuned it as a set. You won't be able to find anyone who could do a better job; and his fees are very reasonable. Send him an e-mail inquiry as to whether he would be willing to do that at:

V8FastCars@msn.com

 

If it's the stock carb you will also need to replace the distributor. I vote for rebuilding the old one

 

Quank, do you mean that if he replaces the stock carb, he will also need to replace the distributor?

 

Yes. Without an ECM carb you should run a regular HEI ignition.

The computer uses both.

 

Bouvie, did ya get what you wanted? Have Lars rebuild it. Best deal going, and least expensive...

 

I don't think Lars does E4ME carbs, didn't when I did mine.

 

If you are very mechanically inclined you can get a re-build kit and do it yourself. If not check your area for a place that specializes in carburetors like a speed shop. I found a good one in my area and they had my 81 Camaro and 81 Vette running like new. If you buy a re-built or rebuild yourself you might not be able to get her running perfect without the modern computerized equipment needed. Been there done that. They run so good when done right.

 

American Carbs in Florida re-manufactured my orginal q-jet for my 1981 this past winter and it came back like new. $300 for work plus shipping to and from. Look them up on the web, they are a family business and I will use them again as needed.

 

The 81 computer Controlled Carburetor (CCC) system is just a step away from a fuel injected system. The computer meters the gas, as does a fuel injected system. Throttle response is good and fuel economy is better. A good running CCC system will sit and idle nice and smooth with fewer of the problems of a standard carb'd system.

If the rest of the CCC system is boogered up, you can buy the GM CCC book off ebay usually for about $10 and EVERYTHING you need to know to debug your system should be in that book. It's the only book to have for your computer controlled carb electronic system. I vote to keep what you have. To reinstall a standard carb would be like buying a new laptop at best buy, taking it home and re-installing Windows 95 on it.

Some of the sneaky problem that often occur with Rochester carbs include a warped air horn and a worn throttle shaft area. These are not problems the average, or even competent carb rebuilder at home can easily resolve. There is a device for straightening the air horn area, and bushings for the carb shaft. there are other problems that the usual home mechanic won't know about and overlook. If they are overlooked, the problems you set out to fix may not get resolved. Therefore, it would be worth sending out to a competitent rebuilder and they also flow test your rebuilt carb on a machine and prove it's performance.

Good luck.