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Hello everyone, I’m unsure if I’m using the same account as I used to use. I’ve been on this forum for almost 6 years, which is how long I’ve had my 86 iron head auto coupe. I’ve fought with the fuel system for ever. I’m finally biting the bullet and making the switch to carb. All of my knowledge of cars is based upon fuel injection. So any help would be appreciated. I’m looking at a budget of say 4 grand at most. I will happily cut holes in my hood and rip wires out like they’re worms in my bed. I need to know what lower and upper manifolds, carb and affordable supercharger, as well as the best ways to go about getting them. I’d like around 400-500 hp. If that’s too silly then ideas for what to do with my 700R4 would be appreciated. I’m bankrupt from this damn TPI setup and just want my Vette to do what it’s supposed to do. Butterfly ram intake would be ideal as well. I have electric fuel pumps that I wouldn’t mind having on their own circuit.
So far I’m looking at the weiand 142 kit from Jegs for 3k, and then an edelbrock 650? I already have an afpr and ac delete. I plan to strip the smog control and minimize electrical interference. I don’t want 2 gallons a mile, but I understand that the fuel economy will be pitiful.
Last edited by Zike Gladion; Feb 8, 2023 at 07:31 PM.
No mention of exhaust yet but if you add that into your 3k for the blower your all ready way over budget. No mention what condition the Engine is in now. I'm just not a fan of falling back and punting when you go from FI to a Carb. I think 400 HP is obtainable on your budget. Either with an SBC or an LS conversion. Many write ups to be had on this forum.
For 4 grand you are not going to swap to carb and install a supercharger. The cheapest SC kits I have seen lately are over 5000 dollars.
If you are mechanical I would suggest that you upgrade what you have already starting with long tube headers, Cam, a good set of aftermarket heads and a mini ram intake. This should get you close to your HP goal at the flywheel
For 4 grand you are not going to swap to carb and install a supercharger. The cheapest SC kits I have seen lately are over 5000 dollars.
If you are mechanical I would suggest that you upgrade what you have already starting with long tube headers, Cam, a good set of aftermarket heads and a mini ram intake. This should get you close to your HP goal at the flywheel
the weiand 142 is 3k for the kit. And on a 4k budget, I can get the low pressure pump and regulator along with the blower, bug catcher and a standard draw through carb. If I go to a supercharger Holley draw through, then I’ll be a little over budget. I don’t mind stretching the budget for headers as well. However as it stands I have straight pipes. And for transmission I’ve been looking at a built th350 that handles 575 which can be had with the adapter for under $2300.
If you're more familiar with EFI and giving up on the factory EFI, why not go with an aftermarket EFI system?
You don't need transmission control so you could go with a pretty basic system like the Terminator X.
I’m wanting to ditch the EFI to avoid the headaches that I have experience with it, from pumps, to injectors, to regulators to the tank, to now the power to the ecu/pump. There has been no upside to this and it has only ran decently for one summer and fall which was two years ago in the almost 6 that I have owned it. Had this wiring issue not occurred, I would simply have dealt with the overfuelling issue I’ve been struggling with.
My $.02 is to do it in a blow-thru configuration. The fuel vaporization acts as an intercooler, nearly 100° reduction in air temps from entering to leaving. Positive displacement pumps under the carb generate a LOT of heat.
Plenty of people have done it with great success, and on a budget - myself included. It can be done, and it can make a lot of power. Mine is nearly 600rwhp with no nitrous on a stock bottom end. Will it live forever? NO. Am I surprised it's lasted this long? YES. Would it last a lot longer at a lower boost/power level? YES.
I say do it and have fun. These cars aren't worth a lot of money anyways and the purists will always be haters. Plus - opinions are like, well, you know. Everyone has one.