American classic car experts, question about changing out a two barrel carburetor

scottmandue · 11-23-2007, 10:07 AM

My friend has a 1966 Pontiac Tempest with a 326 and a two barrel carburetor.
It is his daily driver (no comments please) but it doesn't run daily... thus leaving wifey without transportation to work and all the associated drama.
He had the carb rebuilt by a local reputable mechanic about a year or so ago and he has taken it back for adjustments but it is still intermittent.

So this has me thinking of getting him a new Holly or Edelbrock two barrel for Christmas and slap it on there.

How hard would this be to do? I'm good with software, electronics, I can swing a hammer and work a saw but when I comes to automotive things I get lost real quick (see in my sig about 944 that needs a water pump) and usually pay a mechanic to fix my cars.

But I'm thinking, buy a carb that fits the manifold (four bolts) hook up the gas and the linkage and we are done.

I also think there is a two barrel FI throttle body that might fit and may or may not be a better solution.

Anyway, I know some of you work on old American iron and thought I would check for your suggestions.

Thanks,
Scott

Zeke · 11-23-2007, 10:16 AM

You can get a complete set up from Jegs or Summit. It'll probably come turnkey, but if not, get some gaskets. Go for a 650 CFM on a small block. Don't do this late on a Sunday. You will invariably need some trinkets from the FLAPS. A one day job.

cashflyer · 11-23-2007, 10:21 AM

Changing out the carb is no big undertaking. Pretty much what you said - 4 bolts, new base gasket, linkages and fuel hose.

Switching to TBI is a much bigger ordeal - requiring a fuel pump that delivers more pressure, pressure regulator, and various sensors.

rouxroux · 11-23-2007, 11:03 AM

I'm a big fan of the Holley 2300 series 2bbls. So easy to install & adjust, and they have a 350cfm and 500cfm version. They usually retail for $200 + some change (or find you a wrecked 74-75 Vega GT, they were stock on them (although you'll have to rebuild)...I used to pick those up for about $10/ea.

(Oh, but I'd be SO tempted to search out swap meets for a nice stock tri-power setup as well)!!!!!!!!!

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

Are you sure he needs a new carb? Intermittent what? Are there symptoms of flooding (wet plugs) or fuel starvation? Does it not start or run smoothly? If a "reputable" mechanic just rebuilt his carb, then perhaps he should take the entire car to him. A 1966 326 should be cake for any reputable mechanic to troubleshoot. These old ignitions with points are always suspect too.

Just didn't want you to throw money at a part that might not be the cause.

scottmandue · 11-23-2007, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryH

Are you sure he needs a new carb? Intermittent what? Are there symptoms of flooding (wet plugs) or fuel starvation? Does it not start or run smoothly? If a "reputable" mechanic just rebuilt his carb, then perhaps he should take the entire car to him. A 1966 326 should be cake for any reputable mechanic to troubleshoot. These old ignitions with points are always suspect too.

Just didn't want you to throw money at a part that might not be the cause.

Good point, I'm not there when attempts to start it in the morning... and yes I am confused why they are having so much trouble with such a simple engine.

pwd72s · 11-23-2007, 12:10 PM

As Milt said...650 cfm should work fine. Looking for a good performance boost?
Check out the "performer" (dual plane) intake manifolds by edelbrock....I believe they make 'em for the pontiac block...with a light foot a small 4 barrel with a good manifold will make his 326 tempest run smoother, and get better mileage. In other words, dump the two barrel...

Zeke · 11-23-2007, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashflyer

Changing out the carb is no big undertaking. Pretty much what you said - 4 bolts, new base gasket, linkages and fuel hose.

Switching to TBI is a much bigger ordeal - requiring a fuel pump that delivers more pressure, pressure regulator, and various sensors.

He'll need a new manifold to go 4 bbl. I'm leaning towards keeping the current set up and tuning it. TBI is great, IMHO but needs a computer. On a Tempest? Stay with the existing type of intake, IMO and .02

the · 11-23-2007, 12:31 PM

Like PWD says, I'd just get your basic Edelbrock Performer dual plane manifold (around $120), and an Edelbrock Performer 600 CFM carb (electric choke version), and he'll have a better running, more powerful, more efficient engine.

jegs.com or summitracing.com are low cost monster-stores.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Get the edelbrock combo package, cam, heads and intake matched to work together, will wake that 326 up like you would not believe

scottmandue · 11-23-2007, 01:11 PM

If it were me I would go with the Edelbrock combo package...

But it is all bone stock and he is hyper paranoid about breaking anything or going any faster with the old brakes and suspension. Pretty much just for show car.

Edit: They are also hyper low on funds.

the · 11-23-2007, 01:14 PM

If it's a just for show car, get the Edelbrock manifold and the carb only, in the Endurashine finish!

The old 60s manifold and carb really offer no benefits over a more modern setup. The cost isn't too bad, and it'll run correctly right out of the box, no worries, be done with it and he won't have to keep throwing money at it.

Zeke · 11-23-2007, 01:24 PM

Hyper low on funds? I know carb rebuild kits are hard to come by (especially in CA) but I'd source one and fix what is there.

chapo · 11-23-2007, 06:03 PM

go with the edelbrock carb and intake, or buy a rebuild kit and do it yourself. They are pretty easy to do, most kits have decent instructions. Get the float set right, usually they have a paper guage in the kit. kits probably less than $20. cant run any worse. Any vacuum leaks?