1972 Corvette Carburetor
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
1972 Corvette Carburetor
I have a 72 Corvette with a small block 350 with 3-speed automatic transmission. Trying to find out the best carburetor for this car. I currently have a Holley, but it's too tall and slow idle is 1100 rpm......plus it's pretty gunked up. Any suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Well thats almost true.
Take a Qjet and Holley 4150. Both measure the same from mounting base to neck flange where the air cleaner sits.
But, from that point up. The Qjet is about 1 1/4" from the flange to the top of the vent tube, where as a 4150 is about 1 11/16:
I'm sure there are other carbs that have taller measuremts - especially above the neck flange.
So we need to hear what carb he has and if there are spacers under the carb. And of course what manifold it sits on.
Take a Qjet and Holley 4150. Both measure the same from mounting base to neck flange where the air cleaner sits.
But, from that point up. The Qjet is about 1 1/4" from the flange to the top of the vent tube, where as a 4150 is about 1 11/16:
I'm sure there are other carbs that have taller measuremts - especially above the neck flange.
So we need to hear what carb he has and if there are spacers under the carb. And of course what manifold it sits on.
Last edited by KenSny; Jul 1, 2020 at 10:08 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
No real info there. What "high performance" manifold? what Holley is on there? Are there carb spacers?
Why did you swap out the Edelbrock for a Holley?
What does too tall mean? Is the air cleaner hitting the hood? What filter height are you using?
Maybe a picture would help. Blind guessing here at the forum is never productive.
Why did you swap out the Edelbrock for a Holley?
What does too tall mean? Is the air cleaner hitting the hood? What filter height are you using?
Maybe a picture would help. Blind guessing here at the forum is never productive.
Last edited by KenSny; Jul 3, 2020 at 10:53 AM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Sorry. I'm not a mechanic. Had to buy a pancake air cleaner because the original hit the hood with the Holley. Gonna have to see what model it is. I already pulled it out. The reason I 'm replacing it is because it sat too long and the whole carburetor interior is full of white crusty debris from ethanol treated gas. Just looking for a suitable replacement.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 877
Likes: 59
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
The research I have done suggests a properly built and set up Q-jet is the ticket. I had a Holley on mine... Just had the original Q-jet rebuilt and definitely looking forward to installing it!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Your Holley model number is stamped on the air horn.
Learn how to rebuild the Holley. They are very easy to work on. A rebuild kit can be had from Summit once you find your model number.
Set the Holley on a large clean towel on your work bench. That will keep little parts from rolling away. Basically you will be washing parts down with Gumout Carb cleaner spray. Then just swap out gaskets as you reassemble.
I suspect you have a spacer or an adaptor under the carb. That is why you have a hood clearance issue.
You may end up with a "Drop-Base" air cleaner to get the clearance you need with a 3" air filter.
Learn how to rebuild the Holley. They are very easy to work on. A rebuild kit can be had from Summit once you find your model number.
Set the Holley on a large clean towel on your work bench. That will keep little parts from rolling away. Basically you will be washing parts down with Gumout Carb cleaner spray. Then just swap out gaskets as you reassemble.
I suspect you have a spacer or an adaptor under the carb. That is why you have a hood clearance issue.
You may end up with a "Drop-Base" air cleaner to get the clearance you need with a 3" air filter.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jul 4, 2020 at 03:25 PM.