Q-Jet to Holley switch?!?!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Dumfries Va
Q-Jet to Holley switch?!?!
I have a q-jet right now and want more performance but know next to nothing about carbs... would switching to a holley 4-barrel be a good idea? I have a 350 that is basically stock besides hooker headers and side pipes. any advice would be much appreciated. thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Re: Q-Jet to Holley switch?!?! (HUGEsidepipes70)
If your Q-Jet is correctly set up, switching to a same-sized Holley won't gain you anything. Also, keep in mind that a Holley is a square-bore carb, and can't be installed on your Q-Jet manifold - you have to swap manifolds unless your run a Holley Q-Jet replacement carb which is no better than the Q-Jet...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 998
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Re: Q-Jet to Holley switch?!?! (lars)
and if you are new... that guy lars don't know nothing bout no carbs... :jester
(lars is as close to the master of carburetion [among other things] as we have here on CF. You can take his word...)
(lars is as close to the master of carburetion [among other things] as we have here on CF. You can take his word...)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: Q-Jet to Holley switch?!?! (HUGEsidepipes70)
Like the others have said there is little to gain on a stock motor over a Q-jet. But it is a nice tool box item to have a good working spare carb. I have wrestled with Q-jets for years and am currently in process of switching to Holley. But after studying Holleys to rebuild I find thier not as simple as hoped. Its like the more I read the more parts and tools I need for Holleys. Not much is said for Carter carbs (and Edlebrock copies) for making horse power but tuners do write they hold a tune and easy to adjust. And they are just down right simpler and less problematic. I guess what I'm saying is that if your not familiar with carbs the Carter/Edelbrock types are a good place to start and I'm looking that way now myself as I have better things to do than resolder little plugs and file surfaces flat enough to seal. I'm ready to give up a few hp for less troubles and headaches.
But a good way to start is whith a good used swapmeet carb and rebuild it while you still have a good carb to compare and tune. This method will reveal how changes affect performance and you won't destroy an expensive carb. :yesnod:
But a good way to start is whith a good used swapmeet carb and rebuild it while you still have a good carb to compare and tune. This method will reveal how changes affect performance and you won't destroy an expensive carb. :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: NE PA PA
Re: Q-Jet to Holley switch?!?! (HUGEsidepipes70)
There is no question about what Lars has said. Because is the man. From what I have read a stock 350 would have a very hard time ever needing more than 750cfm. One thing I do know if you go away from the Q-jet, You are going to loose some gas milage when in your primaries. :cheers:
