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I have a couple wish list items that I would enjoy the input of my fellow forum members:
My talented mechanic is suggesting I either rebuild the original Edelbrock carburetor on my 1971, 350 CI, 270 HP Corvette or replace it (he likes Holly). If I replace it, I’m thinking of going with something to enhance performance. Thoughts?
The other item….much lower on my priority list is replace the radio with a product that will maintain the original appearance of the interior but allow me to play my 70’s music. Thoughts?
Just FYI - Chevrolet never installed an Edelbrock on any C3 Corvette,......so it was not "original". They came with Quadrajet carbs, which are more than adequate, if you can find a good one..
You are unlikely to realize any performance increase from changing the carburetor assuming the existing carb is working well. If it was working well until recently and just needs a kit then my advice is to get it rebuilt (by someone who knows what he is doing). I am also a Holley guy but there is nothing wrong with an Edelbrock carb and nothing to be gained by going with a Holley.
Ive found the “vintage appearing” stereo replacements to be woefully inadequate. I think your best bet is to send your original unit to have the guts replaced with modern internals, add jacks for iPhone so you can listen to what you want. Then set about making the speakers minimally acceptable. I had the radios in my ‘69 and ‘63, both vast improvements.
You are unlikely to realize any performance increase from changing the carburetor assuming the existing carb is working well. If it was working well until recently and just needs a kit then my advice is to get it rebuilt (by someone who knows what he is doing). I am also a Holley guy but there is nothing wrong with an Edelbrock carb and nothing to be gained by going with a Holley.
Plus, as Flyboy said the Edlebrock was not the original. That or a Holley probably run better than the Quadrajet unless you get the local guru to work his magic. One problem is the Edlebrocks sometimes dont fit properly with the original air cleaner.
Hopefully your talented mechanic doesnt really think the Edlebrock was stock.
I had my orginal 78 converted with Aurora Digital. I have Bluetooth, phone, USB, am/fm. 200 watts RMS which is different than peak. No need for a sub in my convertible. I use my phone to play XM radio. Great tunes. Sounds beautiful. I install 6.5 round JL Audio speakers in my kick panels and 6x9 in the back, JL Audio.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Ou can buy an amp that is bluetooth compatible and just play your music through it. Phone volume is what would control it. Just leave the OEM unit there disconnected
As an aside to the carb...Edebrock made a replacement quadrajet and holley had a spread bore carb as well. It just depends on what your intake is as too whether you are running a spread bore or square bore carb. With out any engine mods your "performance" wont increase but a rebuild may help the quality of the driving experience better if the mileage, starting or general performance ( stalling at lights, running rich, etc) are lacking
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jan 20, 2021 at 07:18 AM.
Ou can buy an amp that is bluetooth compatible and just play your music through it. Phone volume is what would control it. Just leave the OEM unit there disconnected
As an aside to the carb...Edebrock made a replacement quadrajet and holley had a spread bore carb as well. It just depends on what your intake is as too whether you are running a spread bore or square bore carb. With out any engine mods your "performance" wont increase but a rebuild may help the quality of the driving experience better if the mileage, starting or general performance ( stalling at lights, running rich, etc) are lacking
I agree with the blue tooth amp!
I have an original 1969 radio and ***** in my car and it looks great! However in the back are speakers and a blue tooth amp!
iPhone or iPad for a music source! I use an iPad at times because it also gives me guages!
Scott
Rochester made the Quadrajet carbs. There were a few years that Carter also made them...with identical tooling to what Rochester was using. The Edelbrock Quadrajet was never available on new GM vehicles. When GM stopped using carburetors, Rochester sold the tooling to Edelbrock so that the needs for aftermarket cars could be satisfied. So, in that time period, the Edelbrock Q-jets were made and built properly from original tooling.
If you want to have an 'original' Q-jet on your car, you will need to find the correct part number unit and rebuild it. BUT...if you just want a correctly functioning carb, the Edelbrock carb you have may only need a good cleaning and a fresh rebuild back to original specs. If that Edelbrock carb is still configured as is was originally built, that might be the best way to get a 'correctly' manufactured Q-jet which will work exactly as on a factory built vehicle.
I had my orginal 78 converted with Aurora Digital. I have Bluetooth, phone, USB, am/fm. 200 watts RMS which is different than peak. No need for a sub in my convertible. I use my phone to play XM radio. Great tunes. Sounds beautiful. I install 6.5 round JL Audio speakers in my kick panels and 6x9 in the back, JL Audio.
That is one beautiful interior! love it my friend!!!
Unusual interior for a 78. Looks very 68-ish to me. 😀
Originally Posted by twinpack
I had my orginal 78 converted with Aurora Digital. I have Bluetooth, phone, USB, am/fm. 200 watts RMS which is different than peak. No need for a sub in my convertible. I use my phone to play XM radio. Great tunes. Sounds beautiful. I install 6.5 round JL Audio speakers in my kick panels and 6x9 in the back, JL Audio.
Thank you sir, are you saying there is nothing to be gained in horse power by upgrading to a different carburetor?
I'm not looking at making it into a race car....to old for that nonsense but some more horse power might be fun.
First, I would contact forum member Lars by PM and have him send you a copy of his timing papers.
Second, find a good rebuildable Quadrajet, send it to Lars and have him rebuild it for you.
Many forum members have had Lars rebuild their Qjets with incredible results.
There have been many threads about the performance gains members have achieved by his rebuilt carbs and setting up the ignition per his papers.
Lars has recently posted several threads explaining in detail about some of the carbs he received and what it took to make the function properly.
Lars is the guru of everything carburetors and ignitions.
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I use an iPad at times because it also gives me guages!
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