Holley Carb 2818

[Dick G.]

I lost out on a restored Holley on Ebay recently. What is the going price you have seen them going for. Mine is an early January 65 car, 350HP. 2818 carb. I saw some mention of that big Chicago parts dealer. Are their carbs real/authentic? How do they judge out? Any thoughts on price and vendors appreciated. Thanks! Dick Gutman

[John H.]

Re: Holley Carb 2818

I'd call Jerry Luck first - (314) 895-1551.

[G B.]

Buyer beware

The 2818 is a sweet carburetor when it's stock and in good condition. That seems to be the problem: finding one with any life left in it. I wouldn't hesitate to pay $500 to $600 for a properly restored or NOS 2818 myself.

Jerry Luck has an excellent reputation for selling high quality carburetors at fair prices. Some of the other full time rebuilders do not have this reputation. For example, I wouldn't pay extra for any carb "rebuilt" by Holley. In fact, I would insist on a full money back gaurantee from any professional that the carb has been test run ON A CAR ENGINE and will operate properly (without leaks!) right out of the shipping box. If they gag on that, look elsewhere because they have a reason.

On eBay you really have to do your research before bidding to avoid a financial nightmare. Old 2818 carbs come up for auction very often. Just as often, they have replacement or worn baseplates, bastard metering blocks, or modified (or even cracked!) bodies. The ones described as "rebuilt" or "restored" have sometimes just been painted and re-gasketed. If you buy one of these peaches, you should expect problems. Every single 2818 I've repaired has had a warped main body that required resurfacing. The odds against new gaskets or double gaskets fixing this problem are high.

I especially like the auction descriptions that start out "I was told this Holley is stock for a Vett". You can bet the photo will show a Frankenstein version that has been improved to death by a kid with a Camaro.