747mopar
Well-Known Member
I can agree with a lot of that but with a few exceptions like aftermarket EFI. I still haven't pulled the trigger after seeing so many installs go south but it seems the time has come, Holley appears to have nailed it with every install I see gaining praise. It doesn't matter where a person's allegiance lies(carb/EFI) you cannot deny the benefits of EFI where a computer along with sensors can keep the mixture spot on in all conditions.The simple thuth is: "You pay your money and tske your choice". Vintage carbs are like fine wine.....they get more expensive with time....but like fine wine perform remarkably well. There was an old addage: "fancy gizmo's don't work" (aftermarket fuel injection) or work after spending tons of money and time and frustration to make them do what's advertised.
I am a classic car person who strives to make my efforts appear original....using OEM parts when possible. The old vintage Carter carbs are available on the internet or eBay. Sometimes at reasonable prices.....most vendors know what they are offering....some carb "experts" have no clue as to their correctness.....or search for carbs offered as cores....these are excellent sources of the small parts removed by these self proclaimed experts.
It is truely amazing how many persons have no clue how a carb functions yet trust strangers and their often misguided reasons or opinions and will spend $$$$, based on what they hope to achieve. DO YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE .... do not just go by hearsay. Again, this is just my opinion.
Bob Renton
The second is the "fine wine", most of these old carbs are heavily neglected meaning corrosion, wear and abuse... overtorquing, crazy mods, etc. If your an OE guy than by all means fix one up but if you want a carb that will just do a great job then new is a better more trouble free route IMO.
I've rebuilt Quadrajets, Motorcrafts, Mikuni's, Holleys, Demons, Carters and now run a QF which by the way cost less than an off the shelf carb even after having it custom spec'd... I like starting out with one that's free of all the years of added headaches. Having said that I really like carbs mostly because it's part of owning a classic, wrenches and screwdrivers not computers.