(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

1976 Chevy C20 carb...recommendations?

D

Dave H (MI)

Well-known Member
This is my version of a UTV and pulls all my trailers. I need it to run well and it hasn't for a while. I have a guy who works on it. He says time to replace the cheap aftermarket carb and buy a new one. He says 500-650 cfm. Something that fits a 350-405 V-8. Truck is a 1976 C-20 as mentioned. Any recommendations of a good carb or source to go to?
 
I have installed a couple of the quadrajet replacements by Holley and they work well but kinda pricey for an old truck. There are cheaper versions but I have no experience with them. Punch in quadrajet replacement and Summit or just go to,Summit's web site.
 
I've put two Edlebrock Performer 750 carbs on my vehicles with 100% good results. One is a 62 327 and the other a 76 400 small block. They now start good, idle good, and have plenty of power for my needs. Both took some linkage tinkering but all worked out well.
 
You will be much better to keep it factory.

You won't find a new factory carb unless you luck into a NOS, not likely to happen.

Please don't let him talk you into a Holley! The rubber fuel pump diaphragm, rubber power valve, bowl gaskets, oring fuel lines, all are subject to ethanol degradation, prone to leak fuel internally and externally!

If you have to go new, last I checked Carter made new aftermarkets, but be prepared to do extensive jetting to ever get it to run efficiently and well.

How is the rest of the engine? If there are compression, ignition, timing chain, vacuum hose and emission problems, no carb will fix it!
 
The engine is good in all respects but the carb is not a factory unit. I'm looking for a good aftermarket replacement. As popular as these engines are you would think there would be a lot of options?
 
Quadrajet. Should be able to find a good rebuilt one. Check classic car restoration shops or engine rebuilders, they should be able to source one.
Ben
 
like has been said, stay away from the hollies..unless you like adjusting them every time you use it. carter, edelbrock are good choices
 
There are options, but all I know of are aimed at performance and show, not work trucks.

That's why I would lean toward a rebuilt or even good used factory carb. Qjet always had their share of haters, but once the early problems were worked out, they were my favorite. Just be sure not to get one with electronic controls.

I think one of the problems, we've all gotten spoiled with EFI. We expect a carbureted engine to start and run the same! They can be tuned pretty close, but still...
 

The deal on the Edlebrock is all the chit you have to buy to make it fit... $$$ it adds up the last one I did I brought a Edlebrock they are made right here in Sanford, NC BUT I bailed out when I started to install it and keep needing this dat and the other (early 80's corvette). A Quadrajet for the application is the way to go all in said and done the cost to install it over anything else will be little and NO doubt it will fit..

The deal on the Vett once I added all the adapters then the original air cleaner would not fit I would have to use a aftermarket air filter assy could I close the hood once I was vested into it...

All in said and done for a stock application a Quadrajet is hard to beat...
 
I put a reman Quadrajet on my 78 K20 a few years back. Got it at Autozone. Rebuilt in Canada and under $200 at the time. Runs great now.
 
Quadrajet, hands down!

Excellent throttle response and best fuel vaporization. The tuning variables can be a bit whelming but you can buy a rebuilt one that will work fine out of the box. Check local auto part stores or Summit.

My 81 C30 Dually 454 will make 14 mpg on the highway with a light foot.
 
I agree with factory style Quadrajet..re-built. Also takes a quadrajet style manifold which is what your truck should have came with.
 
I am looking for same, but 78 k10 350. I am trying to decide between one from guaranteed carbs, or southwest performance i guess. I want factory replacement type. Neither seem to have reviews though
 
In reading the posts here everyone has there favorite, a rebuilt stock Q-jet or a junk yard core with a good rebuild would be my choice. I have worked on Q-jet carbs and understand them, they can be tuned and made to work very well. What I have done with a lot of older 350's that were work trucks is remove the 4 hole manifold and install a 2 barrel from a 70 to 72 or so before EGR. That small block will start, idle and have low and mid-range torque like it never had before. Just my 2 cent.
 
If no fuel injection, then I vote for Quadrajet, there are tons out there and they work very well.
 

1st and foremost check your timing chain deflection, very important!!!!
If it is tight, skip the quadrajunk and go with Eldebrock
 
For a simple hard working truck there's NOTHING wrong with putting it back like it left the factory, with a new (reproduction) or quality reman Quadrajet.

A LOT less tuning and drama, and wasted time vs. an edelbrock or holley.

Take a look at LMC Truck. Summit, and Jegs, and compare prices.
 
Easy as google quadrajet
click shopping and plenty of options
your old beast could have other issues as they do wear out and sometimes suffer mechanical wear issues.
One common issue was a kink in the inlet line at the filter housing starving it for fuel.
Flat cams loose chains bad ignition bad valves egr issues.......................
 
(quoted from post at 03:01:54 07/31/18) I put a reman Quadrajet on my 78 K20 a few years back. Got it at Autozone. Rebuilt in Canada and under $200 at the time. Runs great now.
Click to expand...

I'll offer up an alternative nobody mentioned: Find a Rochester two barrel and the matching intake manifold from a 70's era 350 or 400. Very easy to rebuild, excellent throttle response and reasonable economy. There would be a loss of about 20 horsepower above 5000 rpm, if that matters to you.
 
If it came with the Quadrajet that's what I would replace it with, had a lot less trouble with them than Hollys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
Bunch Of Pictures From Huge Estate Auction-Lots IH
Replies
18
Views
3K
formerly ny bill
formerly ny bill
S
2 nice JD 55s and 303 IH to sell - Wellman,IA
Replies
5
Views
2K
Mike Aylward
M
L
Redneck Mini-Project, a New motorcycle and everything else
2
Replies
34
Views
6K
Rich_WI
R
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top