Need Some Carburetor Advice

[Doug H.]

During the short 15-months that have been a member, the answers to nearly all of my many questions have been found through the NCRS tech discussion boards and archives. What a great resource. Now, I would like some advice. The prior owner of my 67 convertible, 327/300 with Powerglide, replaced the Holley carburetor with a Rochester. The heat riser was also removed completely. The engine starts easily and runs great hot or cold here in the southern Nevada desert. Just the usual hesitation at take off until it warms up. The A.I.R. system was also removed. Should I restore the engine as originally equipped? Would this add value to the car? It does not have the original paint color or soft top, so I do not expect the car to be judged without full restoration.

[Joe L.]

Re: Need Some Carburetor Advice

During the short 15-months that have been a member, the answers to nearly all of my many questions have been found through the NCRS tech discussion boards and archives. What a great resource. Now, I would like some advice. The prior owner of my 67 convertible, 327/300 with Powerglide, replaced the Holley carburetor with a Rochester. The heat riser was also removed completely. The engine starts easily and runs great hot or cold here in the southern Nevada desert. Just the usual hesitation at take off until it warms up. The A.I.R. system was also removed. Should I restore the engine as originally equipped? Would this add value to the car? It does not have the original paint color or soft top, so I do not expect the car to be judged without full restoration.

Doug------


What sort of Rochester carb was installed? Is it a Q-Jet or an older Rochester model like a 4GC?

In any event, original configuration is always going to be more desirable from a value perspective than some modification. On the other hand, a Q-Jet might improve functionality.

[Doug H.]

Re: Need Some Carburetor Advice

Thanx Joe,

The Rochester is a Q-Jet. I believe the Q-jiet is an improvement over the Holley. It does cause other issues, e.g., fitting the original air filter base. This requires a spacer ring in order to clear the carburetor.

I value your opinion and will consider restoration to original as funding may become available.

[Joe L.]

Re: Need Some Carburetor Advice

Thanx Joe,

The Rochester is a Q-Jet. I believe the Q-jiet is an improvement over the Holley. It does cause other issues, e.g., fitting the original air filter base. This requires a spacer ring in order to clear the carburetor.

I value your opinion and will consider restoration to original as funding may become available.

Doug------


I'll bet that someone got fed up with the Holley and changed to the Q-Jet. The Q-Jet will provide far better street performance. So, if your car is primarily a driver, I'd leave it with the Q-Jet. I assume that the manifold was changed at the same time. If not, and if an adapter was used to mate the Q-Jet to the square bore (Holley) manifold, I don't recommend that, at all.

A drop-down air cleaner base as used for 68-72 Corvettes equipped with Q-Jet should solve any air cleaner fitment problems you have.

You mentioned that the AIR system had been removed. Is this an original California car? Those are the only 67's that would have had AIR. The engine suffix code will confirm this.

[Doug H.]

Re: Need Some Carburetor Advice

Joe,
I removed the air cleaner, which I should have done in the first place before this post. I am really embarassed to say that the carburetor is not a Rochester. It is a Carter AFB. Bolted directly to the original manifold. I apologize for the misinformation.

It is a California car delivered to Arrow Chevrolet in Los Angeles. I will keep this great car as an occasional driver and collect the parts needed for restoration over time.

Thanx for your valued input

Doug