New Carb
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Milford,CT
New Carb
Morning Everyone,
I am brand new to the forum. I have an 81 that is bones stock. the old Rochester has been giving me trouble for awhile now so when she finally died last week I figured it was time for a new carb. I went with a Quick Fuel SL-600-VS and an Edelbrock 2701 intake while I was at it. Like I said, I'm a rookie. seems like with the computer there is a ton more work than simply changing parts and calling it a day. But, here I am. my question is will it make things easier if I replace the distributor also? If so, does anyone smarter than me have a recommendation to which way I should go?
I am brand new to the forum. I have an 81 that is bones stock. the old Rochester has been giving me trouble for awhile now so when she finally died last week I figured it was time for a new carb. I went with a Quick Fuel SL-600-VS and an Edelbrock 2701 intake while I was at it. Like I said, I'm a rookie. seems like with the computer there is a ton more work than simply changing parts and calling it a day. But, here I am. my question is will it make things easier if I replace the distributor also? If so, does anyone smarter than me have a recommendation to which way I should go?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 184
From: Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania
I agree with Nowhere man! Plus - A properly reconditioned and tuned Quadrajet is the best set up for that Corvette! You don’t need to have someone else rebuild that carb, buy the better rebuild kit and do it yourself. It will cost you close to $50 from Cliffs and it’s just a matter of a thorough cleaning and direct replacement of the parts you get in the kit. I can walk you through the process better than you can find on YouTube and those half-*** direction sheets. I should put out a video, I’m very **** compulsive about details and the best videos miss half of what screws people up rebuilding QJets. I recommend Cliffs because you get a kit that is custom to the carb ID number on your carb, no extra parts 95% of the time and the parts are the best USA made pieces made. Lars did a few carbs and distributors in the past and he does a good job. At about $300 + including shipping, you can do it your self and save $250. And be done with it inside one day. It’s only a few tools you already have.
Disabled by request 8 JUN 2025
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 329
Likes: 94
From: St. Augustine, FL
1981 Quadrajets are computer controlled and not worth rebuilding. Lars wont touch it and Cliff may not either. To answer your question as to replacing the distributor, the answer is yes if it is also part of the CCC system. If it doesn't have a vacuum advance can on it, it goes in the trash along with the OEM carburetor. Get an older HEI distributor and recurve it per Lars instruction sheet.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,516
From: Virginia
1981 Quadrajets are computer controlled and not worth rebuilding. Lars wont touch it and Cliff may not either. To answer your question as to replacing the distributor, the answer is yes if it is also part of the CCC system. If it doesn't have a vacuum advance can on it, it goes in the trash along with the OEM carburetor. Get an older HEI distributor and recurve it per Lars instruction sheet.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 498
lol , he’s not asking about carb recommendation either. Something like this would work good
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/40002/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/40002/10002/-1
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,516
From: Virginia
I put an ACDelco 93440806 distributor in my 79. You can find them new at Amazon for $180, and they should still be made in Taiwan. I lucked out and found a NOS ZZ4 takeoff for half that. I still had to add an adjustable vacuum advance (there are other options for this), endplay shims, and a set of springs, per Lars' instructions, but the overall tune made a HUGE difference in my 79. I was just replacing a not-worth-rebuilding original distributor, but the idea is the same.
The distributor that @Eric P posted looks like it comes with an adjustable vacuum advance (the hex around the nipple usually indicates that).
Please post some photos of your ride, and the engine compartment!
The distributor that @Eric P posted looks like it comes with an adjustable vacuum advance (the hex around the nipple usually indicates that).
Please post some photos of your ride, and the engine compartment!
Last edited by Bikespace; Aug 13, 2021 at 07:46 PM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,235
Likes: 9,376
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
YOu may have to start a neww thread and ask how to eliminate the computer controls for an 81 to be replaced with a Holley style carburetor. Some people just want to stuff a crappy 81 style Quadrajet down your throat when even the local expert would agree with you to replace it. Sorry I cant help, I dont know anything about the computer controlled cars. IF the computer is talking to your distributer as is referenced here, then I would look for a good MSD. Get it from a reputable supplier like Summit, Jegs or speedway and not Amazon. You'll find a lot of chinese clones on there. You can get one that doesnt need a controller or go with the controller. I use a 6AL digital. IF you go to a digital tach it will control it and it will have a rev limiter as well
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Milford,CT
Sterranova
Thanks for the input. Lesson learned here, don't make a knee jerk reaction after breaking down 90 miles from home. The Quick Fuel 600 & 2701 are on the car, now mechanic tells me about the computer. Sounds like Lars is the man that can square me away with setting this whole thing up. Can anybody tell me where to find him?
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,235
Likes: 9,376
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
lars wont work on it
you have to research any post by him, he ususally llists his email address
you have to research any post by him, he ususally llists his email address