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What carb kit for a 440?

T

tolly_family

Regular Contributor
I am out of town without access to my books and was wondering what carb rebuild kits I need for the original carbs? I rebuilt them 10 years ago and I am thinking I got rebuild kits for something like a 1969 440 Road Runner, does that sound right?

Thanks,

Dan
 
I bought a new Edelbrock 1410 to try and after I install it I will tell you how the flow scan numbers and max rpm compare to the original carb. If it turns out good I will buy another for the second engine.

Dan
 
I installed the new 1410 on my starboard engine and it runs fine, I did a quick test drive and it turns just about the same max rpm as the original, just as I expected as there was nothing wrong with the originals except I get a lot of gas fumes after shutdown until the engines cool.

I will let you know the flow scan numbers after I install the new port carb on Wednesday. I wouldn't expect the flow numbers to change much because the carbs are both 750 cfm and should be jetted about the same.

Dan
 
Did you notice any decrease in the fumes after your test run? I imagine you were able to get your engines good and hot. I too suffer from the gas fume dilemma with 440s and Carter AFBs. Anxious to hear....
 
The solution to Carter carb problems (backfiring, poor mileage, leaks, etc.) is an Edelbrock 1409.

Jeff
 
Well I got the second carb on and took it for a test run today. It runs fine and turns the same WOT as the old carbs, the fuel flow is almost the same with maybe 1/2 gallon less per hour at 2000 rpm and the same at all other settings. I didn't expect any changes as the old carbs were the same size and probably jetted about the same. The gas fumes are gone and the starting is better because the new carbs don't leak internally after shutdown. As you can see there is no magic with a new carb if the old ones are working ok. I figure the $700 was well spent if my wife doesn't complain about the gas smell anymore.

The new carbs have electric chokes that need to be wired in but seem to work the same as the original ones.

Dan
 
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The final verdict is in and I have completely cured the fume issue. The new carbs have no fuel smell even after being shut down hot. Go for the new carbs if you have the same problems. Edelbrock 1409 for small blocks and 1410 for big blocks.

Dan
 
Yes, I talked to the Edelbrock tech line and they said I could hook it up to a fitting in the intake or tap either end of the carb so I drilled out the rear passage and tapped it with an 1/8" pipe tap. Super quick and easier than pulling a plug out of the intake and adding a fitting, I got the 1/8" pipe X 3/8" hose fittings at NAPA.

Second issue is the electric choke. The instructions say not to hook up to the coil but that is because of the reduced voltage from the ballast resistor. I have converted to Pertronix ignition with their 1.5 ohm coils and that eliminates the resistor so I just hooked the choke up to the + side of the coil and it works fine.

There is no performance difference with the new carbs but they have better seals and Teflon lined bushings. It was worth the money to get rid of the gas fumes.

Dan
 
Note that they DO get about 1/2 GPH better mileage at cruising speeds, and that's what counts (My experience is similar.). I could care less on what they do at full throttle--especially this year.

Jeff

PS: Ran about 50 hours last year Xs two engines Xs that 1/2 GPH saved per engine Xs $5 a gallon = $250 (if my math is rright). Got half my money back already while loosing the AFB's built in backfiring and slow flooding. Good deal!
 
My flow scan says they burn the same amount of fuel as the old carbs, they only way they could burn less is if they were jetted leaner or the original carbs were not in good order. You indicated that yours were backfiring and flooding before you replaced them, my originals ran perfect, they just smelled after shutdown.

Dan
 
One of my old Carter AFBs ran perfectly except for the damn backfire issues. My FloScan says the Edelbrock runs 1/2 GPH better at my 2,500 rpm cruise speed. The other old AFB had a porous casting that wasted gas but didn't backfire! Go figure.

Jeff
 
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