"just making sure" carb question
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Lincolnton NC
"just making sure" carb question
I have a "81 w/computer controlled quadrajet carb. I would like to disconnect the computer but then I would have to get another carb, right? Because the mixture (rich-lean) is determined by the computer via the mixture control solenoid, right?
If this is correct, would the Eldebrock 1903 be a good replacement?
Come on! I "KNOW" you'uns have the answers! thanks in advance, jim
PS: also, I've read on another thread that when changing from an automatic trans. to a manual (which I recently did), the computer would requre a different PROM....anyone got any wonderful news here?
If this is correct, would the Eldebrock 1903 be a good replacement?
Come on! I "KNOW" you'uns have the answers! thanks in advance, jim
PS: also, I've read on another thread that when changing from an automatic trans. to a manual (which I recently did), the computer would requre a different PROM....anyone got any wonderful news here?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Smile, it's just the internet.
Alright, I own a '68 so my knowledge of the new cars is limited...
If you are removing the CC Carb and swapping in a manual tranny...just replace the distributor also and remove the computer altogether.
If you are removing the CC Carb and swapping in a manual tranny...just replace the distributor also and remove the computer altogether.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
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From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by CGGorman
Alright, I own a '68 so my knowledge of the new cars is limited...
If you are removing the CC Carb and swapping in a manual tranny...just replace the distributor also and remove the computer altogether.
If you are removing the CC Carb and swapping in a manual tranny...just replace the distributor also and remove the computer altogether.
J/K
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
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From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
A new carb and distributor are called for. The Edelbrock 1903 is a very good choice...if you can find one (they've been discontinued). The computer can then go in the dumpster.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Originally Posted by page62
The computer can then go in the dumpster.
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From: Lincolnton NC
Thanks all for the great response! Lars, the automatic trans has been taken out w/a 4speed Muncie put in...so the converter lock-up problem is taken care of. Also, I long ago wired the electric fan up direct in my console to operate it as I want...mostly when in traffic. Because I removed the Air Cond plumbing in the engine compartment and the condenser (? in front of the radiator), the car has little heat problems.
(I can't understand anyone having AC in a sports car)
ok...if the 1903 eldebrock is not an option, what would be a good recommendation? ditto for the distributor. thanks again, jim
(I can't understand anyone having AC in a sports car)
ok...if the 1903 eldebrock is not an option, what would be a good recommendation? ditto for the distributor. thanks again, jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Smile, it's just the internet.
Given your apparent knack for tweaking, I'd suggest a Holley or Demon carb. with mechanical secondaries and an MSD or Crane all-electric distributor. Of course, that means you'd have to swap the intake, new filter base, maybe throttle linkage, and get a CD box to control spark...
Maybe an older Q-jet and HEI would be better! Check eBay.
Maybe an older Q-jet and HEI would be better! Check eBay.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Lincolnton NC
around and around, i go
I found out today that Rochester has different numbers on the Quadjet depending on wheter it was for an automatic or a stick shift!! What a mess...since I've dropped the auto and added the manual, I really enjoy driving more,but ....as far as I can tell, I'm needing a new PROm and a rebuilt Quadjet to conform w/the manual set-up.....to optimize MPG.
NOW I know!! thanks again all, jim
NOW I know!! thanks again all, jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Scottsboro Alabama
Jim, JMO but if you are able to run (no emissions testing) in your state I would replace the intake, carb, and distributor.There are other choices but an edelbrock performer carb and intake are two. An HEI distributor (non computer) will work fine also. These are very simple mods to do and with some tuning will wake up that L81. 
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From: Lincolnton NC
older than dirt, I like your suggestions but this is a emissions state which means for now anyway, I hve to keep the original stuff on it. including the computer quadrajet. appreciate the comeback, jim
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Guam
That's too bad because on my dad's El Camino with the same factory setup, I simply replaced the distributor with an aftermarket Accel one and installed a cam, intake and 600 cfm vacuum secondary carb. The car runs really well now and with a little bit of jetting, I got it tuned well enough where the mixture is very close to optimum for gas mileage.
