Sigh.... I have a new-to-me 1980 C3 L48 Frankenvette. Prior to finding this forum, I went with what I did in the past (over 30 years ago.....) and bought an Edelbrock 2101 intake, and then picked up an Edelbrock 1406 carb to accompany it. Back in the 'day', Rochester Quads were considered "Quadrabogs", at least within my circle of advisors/friends/speed shops. NOW - I find this forum and read the opposite. And Yes, I have read a LOT of Lars' posts on the Quad - That man is a veritable font of Rochester knowledge.

So, I am in a slight dilemma - Do I continue with my Edelbrock intake/carb swap, or do I get my Rochester rebuilt, return the 1406, and use the proceeds to get some headers?

By the casting #'s, the intake on my Vette is from a 1981 model - How are they in comparison to the 2101? Is the 1981-model intake worth porting/polishing, or would that be a time waster with no appreciable gain?

A hotter cam is definitely on my shopping list for the future, I am also going to add a Weiand 142 or 177 S/C in a year or two. Two reasons - I want one, and the compression ratio on my L48 is perfect for a S/C.... ( I got the 2101 as a interim intake until I get the S/C.)

I'll post a follow-up with the Quad's specs/numbers when I get home

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. Seems that having all this info at the tips of my fingers is subjecting me to Selection Paralysis..... :-)

EDIT - Looks like the carb is original equipment - Model 17080204. (1980, 49-state model).

 

Before I found this forum I too had that circle of friends, mechanics, etc that referred to them as "Quadrapuke's".
Never could get the off idle hesitation out of mine.
Tossed it, put on a RPM manifold and a Holley carb.
Car never ran better. ran it with the Holley for about 15 years. Ran great. Little less way up high than the Quadrapuke, but much better down low. And adjusting and jetting a Holley is easy.
Now Im running EFI. and it truly runs fantastic. (after a steep learning curve to get everything just right).
So.
There is more than one correct answer.
Lars is well known for his knowledge of Quadrajet carburetors. But he is rare. Finding local mechanics that are truly knowledgeable with these can be a issue.
Not an easy decision.

 

Contact Lars and see if he works on your model/ year quadrajet. If he does then have him rebuild it and go that route that you described.

If not my suggestion is to send back the 1406 as it is a boggy carb in the same sense as the Quadrajets were in the day. THe bog
comes from the air door on both carburetors slamming open when you mat the pedal and you get a big gulp of air and no fuel.....it lean bogs, then the fuel catches up and away you go...THe quadrajet has a spring adjustment on the door so you can add more tension so it doesnt pop open, it opens slower and doesnt bounce.

the 1406 does not have this adjustment and they bog because of it.

If you still want an Edlebrock go with the AVS line, the air door is adjustable and they have annular boosters to aerate the fuel air mixture better. THe biggest I have found is 650 which will work on unmodified 350 easily but its at the bottom of the suggested range. THe 1406 is 600 cfm...you wont be happy with that

 

I have contacted Lars and we are talking.

I'm taking the 1406 back tomorrow.

Just need to get some headers now.

And save up for that Weiand S/C..... :-)

 

super charger you say?......now we are talking!!!!!

 

Yep - A Weiand 142 or 177 Supercharger. Haven't decided exactly which one yet.

The 8.5:1 compression ratio just screams "Blow Me".... ya know?

 

Ya...I scream that every so often myself

 

Roger, get your mind out of the gutter.

 

Don't forget the the L-48 has cast pistons and cast crank in a 2 bolt main. Run too much boost and you will be blowing the cranks and rods right out of the block.

 

Yep. 5 - 6 pounds will be the key.

Until I bullet-proof the rotating assembly.........

 

The L82's got the better guts from the factory. Keep that boost way down or Uncle Rodney is going to show up to put in some windows very quick!

You wont gain much of anything with the Edelbrock 2101 over the factory aluminum intake, especially at the stock power level. It may net you a few more ponies over the stocker when you do your cam swap though...