69 Q-jet points question

[Greg L.]

Okay here is my situation.

My original carb was a 7029204 but I now have a 7029207 dated I think if I remember it right around 1973 so it's obviously a service replacement...looks correct but has the wrong P/N and date. I have a chance to get a 7029200 with a date code a couple months before my assy date...looks correct, has a good date code for my car, is an original big block carb but has the wrong P/N so is still in the end incorrect for my car.

I know it will depend on what I can get it for but from a points perspective would it be worth it to try and get it or just restore my 7029207 one and leave it at that?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Greg

[Jack H.]

Re: 69 Q-jet points question

Restore your original carb... When looking at a 'replacement', judges will divide the originality points in a 5-axis universe: Finish, Date, Installation, Configuration and Completeness. So, the replacement(s) your considering will each have the incorrect configuration (wrong part number) and as used also show finish wear. Figure you're going to lose 20% from the git go and maybe more when you consider other differences + condition. Your best shot will be via sending the car's original QJet to a professional restorer who specializes in Rochester (Kuntz, Luck) and have 'er restored.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 Q-jet points question

Thanks Jack but my problem is that I don't have the original carb. When I bought the car back in the eighties it already had been replaced with a 7029207 service replacement. The cheapest 7029204 core that I have ever found would have cost me over $400. From a points per dollar view I wasn't sure if this was good value so I passed on it. So now I'm just wondering if I should just restore and use the 7029207 replacement that I have or try and get that 7029200 with a good date code and restore it. Any thoughts?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Q-jet points question

$400 is about average for a core Corvette carburetor. I've got a couple at that price that I've purchased. One is on my 71 now, one is a spare and looks like it was hardly run when new.

Then again, I've got two I purchased for very low prices for my 72 by watching eBay real carefully. They are spares in case the original ever goes bad.

Patrick

[Mike E.]

Re: 69 Q-jet points question

Greg--
To answer your question from my perspective, It's a "so what?" if the date is right but the carb number is wrong. A wrong carb is a wrong carb, and won't get you any more originality points by having a correct date. Save your money by not buying another wrong carb, and wait and save until you find a right number, right date. Otherwise, a wrong carburetor in hand is less expensive than a wrong carburetor that's for sale.