Edelbrock carb vs other brands

[Dne']

Hi! I've slowed down a lot since the heat wave has been upon us. Today I did complete my AC system that I bought from a company, but I don't think I'm allowed to say from whince it came. It's putting out 50-55degrees, I guess that's ok. that's just sitting in my really warm/hot garage with both electric rad fans going.

Anyway, when I start my stang, it runs/revs great when blipping the throttle when it's cold, but when it's warmed up/hot, the bottom drops out when blipping the throttle~very irritating, not the Vroom I'd like to hear!(I may have mentioned this before, but I'm absent minded). So, a new close friend stated that the Edelbrocks aren't very good carburetors to begin with. Did I make a mistake going with the Edelbrock? I've adjusted the idle mix screws to the highest vacuum, and it seems to idle nicely.  Perhaps there's an Edelbrock tech(which I haven't looked into yet) that may be able to advise.  anyway, time to start fixin vittles!

[Horseplay]

I am far from an Edelbrock carb tuning expert so I will refrain from answering your question. I did want to let you know you need to get that foam air cleaner off your car. It does nothing for you in terms of air flow or filtering for that matter. More importantly, it will burn in the event of a back fire and drop nasty bits of melted foam into your engine. That relic from the 80's needs to be gone, seriously. Get a new modern filter and your engine will thank you.

[Kats66Pny]

I wish I could help Dne.  I'm having my own carb problems and some of the guys I've talked to keep saying that Edelbrocks can be a big pain to tune and get running right. That's all I know about them.

[silverblueBP]

I know nothing of EB's, so.......do they have squirters you can change? When all else was correct with my Holley, I then changed squirters until I got zero hesitation when blipping the throttle.

[Dne']

Thanks Horseplay, the foam element thing was temporary till I find out what i really want, so it will remain just at least covering the top of the carb. thank you so much for your input!

Hey Kat! Sorry about your carb problems too! It's just a matter of time, and a matter of funds, but we'll get it figured out!!! :cry  I may just check into a Holley, but I still may try to conquer this edelbrock just for the heck of it! lol

I wish I could help Dne.  I'm having my own carb problems and some of the guys I've talked to keep saying that Edelbrocks can be a big pain to tune and get running right. That's all I know about them.

[RapidRabbit]

I have an Edelbrock on mine.
I don't know enough to give advice, but mine is a little hesitant on the throttle and I can't seem to get it to run smoothly either. currently running rich. I've given up. it's EFI time for me

[daveSanborn]

Is this a new problem since installing the AC system..... or was it always there?

The one good thing about Edelbrock carbs is they usually run pretty good straight out of the box.  It's usually later, after they've worn in where tunability problems come in.  Holley's are much easier to own/operate/tune in the long run.

I'm wondering if the drag of your AC clutch (when engaged) is a contributing factor....

[Dne']

Hey Dave, always nice to see you chime in! ;)  No, the running problem had been there prior to the AC work. I complained about it a few months ago when running my stang down the street checking the C4 tranny shifting thing.  Wouldn't take off the line without a Buwah/bog, however it's described.  When cold though, it's a ferorcious animal! When it's hot, it's not!

omg! EFI! Ok, I have to ask, but how much, ballpark?  I've been searching on the net about edelbrocks, and there are quite a few folks having hesitation/flat spots! contagious? lol

I have an Edelbrock on mine.
I don't know enough to give advice, but mine is a little hesitant on the throttle and I can't seem to get it to run smoothly either. currently running rich. I've given up. it's EFI time for me

[daveSanborn]

EFI! Ok, I have to ask, but how much, ballpark?

Doing the work yourself.... and sourcing some nice used parts from a wrecked 5.0..... it could be done economically for ~$1000-1200.  It can move up in cost quickly though if you start shopping for new parts on-line.

[Dne']

hmm, something to ponder about, the EFI does look impressive beneath the hood of an early stang. I'd better keep it simple for now~ 'thanks!!

Doing the work yourself.... and sourcing some nice used parts from a wrecked 5.0..... it could be done economically for ~$1000-1200.  It can move up in cost quickly though if you start shopping for new parts on-line.

[RapidRabbit]

Doing the work yourself.... and sourcing some nice used parts from a wrecked 5.0..... it could be done economically for ~$1000-1200.  It can move up in cost quickly though if you start shopping for new parts on-line.

Well so far I picked up a complete used 5.0 engine with computer and wiring and aod transmission for $750. I am just starting to get a parts list together now. I figure I will end up at least $2000 by the time I am done. I will most likely need to have help with the electrical stuff and maybe the plumbing to make sure I don't screw it up. Then there is the "while I'm at it" stuff. 
I would be that deep rebuilding my current motor and trans anyway, so I may as well go EFI instead.

[Dne']

So do you have to use the AOD? I'm going to ask, and it's probably on the site, but was is involved?
Gas tank mods?
Electric fuel pump?
as you said, electrical?eek!
So for a set up like mine, it would just be a bolt on to my 289~ it's not that simple I know!

[apollard]

The stumble you describe is almost always related to accel pump issues. The rich mixture from the choke setting masks it when cold.

Look in the venturis (with the engine OFF) and floor the throttle. You should see a stong stream of raw fuel shoot into both from venturis. If not, something is clogged. If that is OK, try giving it more pump shot as described on page 8 here:
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/carbs_acc/pdf/carb_owners_manual.pdf

If that doesn't work, there are other possibilites, but most of them will cause other drivability problems also.

[RapidRabbit]

So do you have to use the AOD? I'm going to ask, and it's probably on the site, but was is involved?
Gas tank mods?
Electric fuel pump?
as you said, electrical?eek!
So for a set up like mine, it would just be a bolt on to my 289~ it's not that simple I know!

No, I don't have to use it, but I want to upgrade to overdrive because I do a lot of highway driving.
Lots of little stuff involved but not to bad. It just adds up.
Have to add a return fuel line and Electric fuel pump.
New radiator
New tranny mount and shifter brackets.
Etc............
Wiring up the computer and sensors.
Some of the other stuff I want to do is just upgrades that are not totally necessary.

[tarafied1]

I love EFI and wouldn't mind upgrading myself, BUT I think carburetors can still do the job. KISS approach you know (Keep It Simple Something-or-other). apollard has some good advise if you want to mess with the carb.

[garner67]

In hindsight, I wish I would have purchased a Holley, but after a little professional help, my Thunder Series Edelbrock carb runs fine.  Getting the Edelbrock tuned by a knowledgeable professional was a lot cheaper than purchasing a new carb.

Since i don't really know the intricate details of carb tuning, I'm no "real" help.  However, if your carb is in good condition, there is no reason why it can't be tuned to run well on your engine. 

If you can't sort out the problem, you might look for a local expert.  I found this place that helped me get my carb running well.

Recarbco

[Dne']

Thanks Pollard! good information~ gets techical doesn't it. Sometimes I wish a tech report would just say, "Turn/or adjust this thing and this will happen, but if you turn this screw this will happen" and your car just runs perfectly when followed correctly! :craz It just all goes back to poor planning, not doing my homework  :cry I'm going to make this work! Thanks, it may not be today, but I'll keep ya'll posted! Thanks everyone!

The stumble you describe is almost always related to accel pump issues. The rich mixture from the choke setting masks it when cold.

Look in the venturis (with the engine OFF) and floor the throttle. You should see a stong stream of raw fuel shoot into both from venturis. If not, something is clogged. If that is OK, try giving it more pump shot as described on page 8 here:
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/carbs_acc/pdf/carb_owners_manual.pdf

If that doesn't work, there are other possibilites, but most of them will cause other drivability problems also.

[apollard]

Let us know. It's easier to diagnose & fix in person, but not so complicated that it can't be done online. Especially with someone of your skills.

[AzPete]

I believe you A/C should be putting out closer to 40* or less unless your car was extremely warm running. Is that a Vintage Air unit?

[Dne']

I was kind of worried about that! It's an aftermarket unit for sure, Midlife might jump me if I say where I actually bought it from :shy. I was running the cars AC in my garage, I did have a power cat fan in front, and both electric fans came on(one fan would cycle).  The air in the cabin wasn't being recirculated and it was really warm, or hot I should say. The gauges were 25-30/225-250 and the lines were pretty cold. The heater control valve I did help it to close a little better by hand, needs a little more adjustment to close with the control lever. The sightglass was clear of bubbles.  I had it idling about 1500 rpm.  I'm hoping that maybe once outside with air rushing into the condensor may help.  the outside temp was about 97 and in the garage maybe hotter with the car running. I did evacuate the system for 45 minutes prior and held vacuum overnight, so that was good.  So, what do you think Pete?

I believe you A/C should be putting out closer to 40* or less unless your car was extremely warm running. Is that a Vintage Air unit?

[Midlife]

It's an aftermarket unit for sure, Midlife might jump me if I say where I actually bought it from :shy.

My dear, you don't have to say another word!  I'll be right over!

[Dne']

OMG, frisky tonight :sur!

My dear, you don't have to say another word!  I'll be right over!

[daveSanborn]

Dne',

You may certainly state which AC system you installed.  It's only in the "vendor evaluation" board where we try not to compare different companies/vendors.  Within ALL other boards you can state "I bought a Holley carb"  Or "I installed a Classic Air AC system" without any worries.

Dave

[Dne']

oH, ok!  That makes sense! Thanks Dave!  I bought my system from Classic air  :scar and it's a very nice system! :amaz

Dne',

You may certainly state which AC system you installed.  It's only in the "vendor evaluation" board where we try not to compare different companies/vendors.  Within ALL other boards you can state "I bought a Holley carb"  Or "I installed a Classic Air AC system" without any worries.

Dave

[AzPete]

As long as you had air flow over the a/c unit, engine temp should not raise the output temp that bad. When you serviced it, did you use the gauges or just fill it till the site glass was clear? Over or under filled will screw up the output temps.

Hmmm, Classic is the one I will be doing for my '66.