I am new to the forum and to owning my 71. I brought it from the original owner with 52K It has been sitting for a while but it ran and drove when I brought it. It has the original 350 in it which he added a moderate cam and MSD distributor (No HEI) and 6A box.. I do not have any specs on it. but I just recently did some mild modifications. He gave me with the sale a Edelbrock TM1 Tarantula manifold and a holley 600 or 650 carb. I do not have the model number here. Carb was new in the box. Well even without headers, stock manifolds it sounds much more beefier. But it was really running rough and very very rich. I am not the best at setting the distributor at top dead center so I got my next door neighbors best friend who owns a speed shop here in Socal help me with the timing. So the timing is completely done and the car runs much better but still very rich. He adjusted the carb, but he is not a fan of holleys. He claims the problem is the carb and should switch to an Edelbrock 1406 600. it just smells like it is just dumping fuel not burning it through.

Any input is appreciated. I would like to hear your take before I make this switch. Oh side note. has solid lifters but once I drove it a few miles they were really loud. I know that they suppose to make noise but they were loud. sounded like a sewing machine. Maybe I am not used to it. But I figured I would throw that in as well.

Again your response and recommendations are much obliged.

 

I'd suggest you find another carb guy. Anybody that recommends an Edelbrock over a Holley doesn't have much credibility in my book. Most guys that don't like Holley carbs don't know much about them. The carb you have is sized about right but probably needs rejetting to run right on a slightly modified engine.

 

It doesn't matter if you run a Holley, Edelbrock/AFB, or Quadrajet, if the carb is tuned properly, it will run good. You have a Holley that just needs tuning. I would never trust a so called tuner that tells you it's the brand of carb that is the problem.

If you tell us where you live, maybe someone here will know a good tuner that can help you.

Mike

 

I appreciate the responses and I kinda got the feelong that was the case. He was not a big fan of any aftermarket stuff. The only thing its a brand new carb out of the box. So your saying it may still need jetting?

I live in the san fernando valley CA Los Angeles county. I truly appreciate the help.

Thank you.

 

If you had timing issues and your motor backfired, it may have damaged the Holley, some older models were sensitve to backfires and I believe you would blow a power valve. It could need a rebuild as well as a tune. If it sat for a while it could just be gummed up inside and the floats stuck in the down position flooding it. You never know whats going on with a used car or a car thats been sitting for a while. Maybe your buddy has an extra carb you could just throw on for a test to see if it gets better. It will let you know if a rebuild will solve your issue. If you can rebuild it yourself you will learn a bit and save alot.

 

I wouldn't use that ancient Tarantula manifold on your car. You would be much better off with a current Edelbrock Performer.

 

And see a proctologist about that smelly rear end

 

I dont know if you guys are getting my replies. It tells me that it has to be approved before they post it. I am replying to all your responses. Can someone throw up a flag let me know you got this!

 

This is your only reply so far. Don't give up on the Holley, get someone that knows how to fix it up properly, you will be pleasantly surprised at the difference.

 

lets try this again

Thank you all for your responses.
1. I live in the san fernando valley los angeles. If you have a reputable carb guy I can pick his brain...will be much obliged Mike and all you fellas.
2. My buddy did say because of all the timing issues and backfiring I could have damaged the carb. Or from sitting for 6 months it could have gummed up. When I unhooked the gas line it had a lot of pressure poured out like a jar full. But my buddy said that the carb is not holding gas. Which O dont know what that means. Anyone can explain and what are the syptoms.
3. I will see of I can get another carb used and try my first rebuild on this one. But if its damaged. Is it worth rebuilding?
4. Appnt with the procto this week. In the words of Chevy Chase in Fletch..."moon river..." 🤣🤣
Thanks again!

 

 

I would love to learn how to adjust the holley myself. I did build a sbc on my chevelle that screams. But when it comes to timing carb adjustments and valve adjustments and I am a milk dud.

 

Post your location so others can direct you to someone close to you for help.

 

Los Angeles, CA
San Fernando Valley

 

it lets me post a few words posts only

 

Do 4 or 5 more short posts. It may have a 10 post limit before you can post longer ones.

 

Thank you for the tip! #6

 

For this and future:
Enter that location into your public profile

make a few more short posts

 

Most Holley carbs have a "power valve" ... backfiring can & does blow or destroy PV ... a reliable symptom of blown PV is very rich at idle even when adjustments screwed in. Google "blown power valve" ... PV are relatively inexpensive.

 

You should have a look on amazon for a book like this, a little reading and you'll understand your carb and how to tune it

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/CarTe...rbs,82258.html