Too Slow/Q-Jet question

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by Doug Hoven

Q-jets aren't really "cut and dry" across the board. Some carbs are good with a little work, and others are slow no matter how much effort is thrown at them. If the money isn't there to send a carb out to be built by one of the "gurus," then I would suggest buying the Quadrajet book by Cliff Ruggles. I surprised myself with how much I was able to accomplish with some basic mods to a bone stock Q-Jet. I believe what was meant by a "fast throttle plate" means the linkage was made to open the primaries and secondaries at the same time, unlike the stock progressive linkage that opens the primaries a decent amount first before opening the secondaries. The 1-1 linkage carbs tend to not drive around as well, but some swear by them being faster. As far as tuning goes, the car will tell you what it likes and doesn't like. MSDs can cause plugs to look good even when things aren't so good. I would suggest taking some "swings" at jetting, rods, and trying a few different hangers if you have some. Even if what you already have ends up being the best, at least you'll learn something.

I really like this attitude. I'm absolutely not above trying to make changes. Like you said, at the very least I might learn something. I do not have any extra hangers or rods to try though, do you know where I can get more components to try?

[Doug Hoven]

Originally Posted by JP1738

I really like this attitude. I'm absolutely not above trying to make changes. Like you said, at the very least I might learn something. I do not have any extra hangers or rods to try though, do you know where I can get more components to try?

Apart from asking around the racing community, there are a few places to buy qjet parts. I bought primary jets, secondary rods, and needle and seats through jegs, with the brand being "JET Performance." Ebay is also a good resource for hangers, jets, and rods. Something I've seen done is if you don't use primary rods, you can screw in Holley jets in place of the rochester jets. The threads are very close, but not identical. This is not advised if you ever want to try rochester jets and primary rods ever again. So far I've only ever 2 stepped with a qjet. If you ever decide to "chill down" your engine, make sure to try it first when it isn't important. Especially footbraking, qjets sometimes need a little different tuneup when trying to leave the line at very cold engine temps.

[Mike Pearson]

Quadrajet parts.com has some rods and hangers last time I looked. Also if there is a carb rebuild shop anywhere near your location they might have a stock of them. They are getting more difficult to find.

[Danny Ashley]

Q-Jet builder Mike McDonald will be at Orlando. He will be crewing for Kevin Wells. Kevin has a blue G/SA Nova #3106. Mike will have parts and will get you steered in the right direction.