81 carb change

[81vettelover]

I would like to change intake and carb on my 81. I have a edelbrock performer and edelbrock carb. I know by doing this it will throw a check engine light. Will I get any better performance by doing so? Also what about the distributor will I have to change that out to. Any help would be great.Thanks

 

[80convertible]

First thing I would do is check local inspection/emission laws for your county in PA. I just got my PA antique plates which require a one time registration fee...no emissions or inspection. I believe PA also offers classic plates.

I replaced my Q-jet cast iron intake and Q-jet carb with an Edelbrock Performer and Carter carb which is identical to Edelbrock carb. I can't say that I noticed any real power increase but I like the setup. I also like having an electric choke. You will get various opinions on Edelbrock versus Q-jet carbs. You can't go wrong installing an Edelbrock carb. Some prefer one over the other for various reasons. If you have to pass emissions, you will need to have emissios legal intake and carb. Not sure about the distributor as I don't have any emissions on my vette.

P.S Where about in PA do you live?

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Carb questions.

Vettelover,

I recently changed my original stock inlet manifold and a Holley carb that a previous owner had installed, for an Edelbrock Performer Manifold and an Edelbrock QJet (1903).

Yes it did make a difference in HP, but didn't make any difference in fuel consumption from the old Holley. It didn't run as crap as the Holley did and has much smoother excelleration.
I can't tell you anything about if the change over will effect your compliance with your emission laws, but as for the computer showing an engine light fault, yes it probably will do that. Mine has a Mallory MSD Ignition & Blaster 3 coil system on her, so the original HEI dizzy has been replaced and the computer has been disconnected. I would like to change her back eventually, but she runs OK for now.

The Edelbrock QJet looks exactly like the original carb, but isn't computer controlled. It still has the 795 CFM rating like the old carb.
Whatever you do, do not put a Holley on her (IMO)! I used the Holley as a boat anchor and forgot to put a bit of rope on it when I through it overboard!! Oooops! :L

Cheers

Tony