Holley or Edelbrook Carb on my '54

[Peter Jordan]

Has anyone swapped over to a modern carb on a 331ci retaining the stock manifold/air cleaner? if so what do you suggest the best make/model carb to be? My original carb is in fairly poor shape, and good rebuilders in the UK are few and far between. I use the car a great deal so reliability is more important than originality.

Anyone suggest a solution?? Thanks......

[Jim Stamper]

     I learned recently online that , although they look very similar, they are very different carburetors. My search was to adjust an Edelbrock on my son's 72 Chevy pickup from Denver settings to sea level of Washington State.

     I would do an online search of both types for probably far more commentary than you need about the pros and cons of the carburetors themselves. Probably not the specific application you contemplate.  People do like their Edelbrocks and with their kits they seem to be infinitely adjustable to about any demand.

[Jim Stamper]

    Meant to say, Google them.

[Dave Shepherd]

I agree the Carter/Edelbrock is much more adaptable to this engine.  Get the smallest cfm they make in a 4bbl.

[Otto Skorzeny]

What is the problem you're experiencing with your stock carb?  My '56 is my only car and I drive it everywhere. The carb is great and rarely needs adjustment.

[Peter Jordan]

I agree the Carter/Edelbrock is much more adaptable to this engine.  Get the smallest cfm they make in a 4bbl.

Thanks... general feeling is to use the edelbrook 600cfm carb for better economy and performance (gas is close to $10 bucks a gallon here in the Uk!) Next question...does anyone make an adaptor plate to suit smaller bolt pattern on stock 331ci manifold to Edelbrook carb?

[Dave Shepherd]

  BTW, Jordan is my Mom's maiden name and my grandparents came from England.  Try Summit.com for possible carb adapter parts.

[Dan LeBlanc]

I know that on the 390, the Edelbrock 1406 is a direct bolt-on with the only modifications required are to fabricate a plate to attach the TV linkage to.  I'm not sure if the 54 has the same intake or not.  If it does, it's a pretty simple retrofit.

BTW, the 1406 is the 600cfm with electric choke.

[Dave Shepherd]

Dan, the 331 series engine has a different carb mount flange than the 390, unfortunately.

[Peter Jordan]

  BTW, Jordan is my Mom's maiden name and my grandparents came from England.  Try Summit.com for possible carb adapter parts.

My late Fathers Brother (uncle) emigrated to Nothern NY, must of been in the late 30's? sadly all my family have now passed so I'm working from memory. Somewhere in my Fathers items is a Family tree that would give the answers, however I digress as this is a Caddy forum??

[walt chomosh #23510]

peter,
  one must consider air cleaner to hood clearance when using any type of carb adapter.....if you do find a direct carb replacement,please contact me as I would like to know what fits for future reference.....walt...tulsa,ok