71 454 Auto Carb

[Michael Sealy]

Wanted, Carb for auto 454........Rochester Quadrajet. Where can I get number matching carb?

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 454 Auto Carb

Michael----

As you may know, your 71 454 with THM originally was equipped with Rochester QuadreJet GM #7041204. A date-matched carburetor of this part number will not be easy to find. Try Pacific Corvette in Puyallup, WA and Chicago Corvette. Chicago Corvette specializes in carburetors and has many cores in stock. You could buy a core from them and have it remanufactured by them or elsewhere. I recommend Brad Urban's Carburetor Shop in Ranch Cucomonga, CA. Brad, who passed away several years ago, literally "wrote the book" on QuadraJet Carbs. His company continues in this tradition as far as I know.

If you find the carb you are seeking, expect to pay a STIFF price for the core.

The GM replacement carb for your application is GM #17054696. This carb was discontinued some time ago, but you might be able to find one in Delco dealer stock if you're interested and act quickly. It won't be "original", but the configuration will be and NOTHING will make your car run better than a NEW carburetor. Absolutely NOTHING.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 454 Auto Carb

My recommendation is not to have "Windy City" rebuild it, as mine came with the wrong jets, primary rods, and secondary rods, and had sand frm beadblasting in the internal passages. Try Brad Urban's or Jerry Luck.

[Jack H.]

Re: 71 454 Auto Carb

Some depends on how big a hurry you're in and how much $$$ you want to hurl to make the problem go away. The sources others have given you will get the job done....

But, if you're not a hurry and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, you can stroll the scrap yards and swap meets now that you know the list number you need. Next, read the Judging Guide to recognize how to understand date codes and core sources. In that era, Q-Jets were produced by BOTH Rochester and Carter while Holley was an exclusive source.

At swap meets and scrap yards, you may well spot that elusive correct core. I've seen quite a few 'Corvette only' carbs in scrap yard bins off passenger cars/trucks that got there by swap-out/remanufacture. In the case of Q-Jet, you can gobble up a complete core for $5-20. Holleys bring more on the aftermarket ($50 range).

Once you have the correct core, guys that are suggested to you like Jerry Luck, can make rabbits pop out of hats in terms of restoration for fixed price!!!! Some of the fun in this hobby/sport is learning the lore and finding a 'bargain' once in a while....