2 barrel carb - barking up the wrong tree?

[Number 6]

OK, my first post. '87 350 Suburban in Mexico. 4 Spd trans and Q-Jet. Tried a 2 barrel Motorcraft, but the "mechanic" broke it :-( I'm a fan of Weber carbs and am contemplating putting a 38/38 Outlaw with a single plane manifold. I don't want to spend a lot. Suggestions. I can't find one for a downdraft Weber, so an adaptor will be needed. Milage isn't a huge issue and I won't be driving fast. These carbs are 450cfm. Having used downdraft Webers before on smaller engines, I've found once they're dialed in you're good. BTW, in the UK they put them on the aluminum block Rover V8 engines derived from the 60s Buick 215. Your opinions please.

 

[CheemsK1500]

I would suggest either another Q Jet or an Edelbrock 1406. Finding a quality Q jet is difficult, but if you do find one, that is the most practical choice. The Edelbrock is a relatively inexpensive option that is easy to set up. All you need is a adapter plate for your existing intake. There are plenty of good two barrels like the Weber you mentioned, but a four barrel seems more practical on a 350 engine.

 

[shiftpro]

I remember a few squares in the 70s with the 350 and 2 barrel... they didn't seem to give up any bottom to the 4 barrel version.

 

[Raider L]

@CheemsK1500,
I to am a big fan of Webers. I've always wanted to have three different intake manifolds set up to put on depending on how I feel at the time. One with a four bbl on it, another manifold with three 2 bbl's on it, and another one with a couple of Weber's on it. Yep, the adapter plate is going to be your only choice but make sure you aren't using any spacer under the carbs otherwise it changes the vacuum signal. Webers are great for having all kinds of different choices in set up. Make sure your venturie's are right. I read one time that if yoiu don't have the correct size venturie it changes how the draw happens and can cause some fuel issues.

 

[Rickf]

am contemplating putting a 38/38 Outlaw with a single plane manifold.

I thought single plane intakes were for upper RPM's, anything been done to the engine?

 

[Number 6]

From what I've read single plates are better for torque and not top end. Some racing classes only allow 2 barrels and Holly is the brand everyone uses.

 

[bucket]

A low rise, single plane intake is generally terrible for low end torque.

 

[SquareRoot]

EFI. Put a nail in the carburetor coffin.

 

[scrap--metal]

I thought single plane intakes were for upper RPM's, anything been done to the engine?

A low rise, single plane intake is generally terrible for low end torque.

Don't use a single plane unless your engine's going to live a high RPM lifestyle.

 

[Rickf]

am contemplating putting a 38/38 Outlaw with a single plane manifold.

Milage isn't a huge issue and I won't be driving fast.

You may not get the results you are looking for with this plan.

 

[SirRobyn0]

OK, my first post. '87 350 Suburban in Mexico. 4 Spd trans and Q-Jet. Tried a 2 barrel Motorcraft, but the "mechanic" broke it :-( I'm a fan of Weber carbs and am contemplating putting a 38/38 Outlaw with a single plane manifold. I don't want to spend a lot. Suggestions. I can't find one for a downdraft Weber, so an adaptor will be needed. Milage isn't a huge issue and I won't be driving fast. These carbs are 450cfm. Having used downdraft Webers before on smaller engines, I've found once they're dialed in you're good. BTW, in the UK they put them on the aluminum block Rover V8 engines derived from the 60s Buick 215. Your opinions please.

I've had weber 32/36's on 4 cylinders in the past. Weber carbs are great that I agree with. One 38/38 would be under carbing a 350 but other than possibly limiting peak performance a little.

Why not try it. No idea how you'd adapt it up, but I'd like to hear the report on how it works out.

 

[pnwnvrdn]

Carburetors often get a bad rap..usually the first thing to blame on a poor running engine.
A properly tuned Quadrajet on a 350 can be a wonderful thing, contrary to the general consensus.

 

[CheemsK1500]

Carburetors often get a bad rap..usually the first thing to blame on a poor running engine.
A properly tuned Quadrajet on a 350 can be a wonderful thing, contrary to the general consensus.

It's worth noting that a lot of timing issues get blamed on carburetors. It's also worth noting that most of these hated Qjets are typically the result of poorly done rebuilds, or using the wrong variation on of Q jet for a particular application.

I'll also kick the hornet nest and say that the Carter AFB and all Edelbrocks derived from it are perfectly good carburetors. They don't have the modern refinements of a Demon or a even a Q Jet for that matter, but they work.

 

[SirRobyn0]

It's worth noting that a lot of timing issues get blamed on carburetors. It's also worth noting that most of these hated Qjets are typically the result of poorly done rebuilds, or using the wrong variation on of Q jet for a particular application.

I'll also kick the hornet nest and say that the Carter AFB and all Edelbrocks derived from it are perfectly good carburetors. They don't have the modern refinements of a Demon or a even a Q Jet for that matter, but they work.

No I agree with what you said. But I'll add I think a lot of times the Q-jet gets hated on because of lack of understanding. It's one of the more complicated carburetors to work on, or even to adjust, but once properly rebuilt and adjusted will provide drivability and reliability that is second to none.

My truck has a Edelbrock on it that the PO installed. It's fine. I'd prefer to running an Q-jet, but converting back is just not worth while. When the Edelbrock is worn out the I might. I've also installed plenty of edelbrocks at the shop for customers that wanted them. To me the biggest plus on the Edelbrock / AFB is simplicity. A guy with little knowledge on carburetors can often rebuild and adjust one successfully. It seems to also that the Edelbrock / AFB carbs need to have there adjustments tweaked now and then to maintain peak operating performance, IDK, maybe once a year on average. Where as the Q-jet is set for many, many years and may give 30 years of service in some cases. It's pretty hard to beat that!

 

[Rusty Nail]

My opinions..

Welcome. One of my opinions is "this is a good msg board".

Another is that I think if you like Weber carburetors than I support your efforts and appreciate your ideas. Run one if you wanna! GitRDun!

Another opinion is that a Suburban is too much mass for a 2bbl. Sure lots of TRUCKS got one but was that ever a Suburban option? I don't wonder why not....but maybe it will be awesome I guess.

AND i'm thinkin "dude. It's 2022. You got the Google in your pocket" no doubt...YOU CAN FIND the ways to make it work.

Good luck.
Post a picture of the truck okay?