Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

[KurtS]

I have a VP 5.0GL with a bad holley 2 barrel. Instead of rebuilding it I was thinking of putting on a 4 barrel. I've got the factory 4 barrel manifold on there now, and I can get refurbished carbs relatively inexpensive - holley 4175 for about $300 or a edelbrock 1409 for about $240. I would appreciate any opinions I can get on reliability, ease of installation, proper jet size, etc. Thanks

 

[kelleyja]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

I have a GS model with the factory Holley 4 barrel. Its a 4160 style carb, my setup came with no powervalve in the primary metering block (its not plugged, the block was never drilled for one) so the jetting is a little larger to compensate. This setup has run reliably for me, it starts well and there no hesitation through the main and secondary circuit transitions - its a bit thristy on the gas, but I'm running a little rich too.

I'd go with the 1409 - the 4175 is a spread bore that will need an adapter for the stock manifold. The 1409 will be easier to adjust when installed, I suspect you'll have to play with the jetting to get it dialed in correctly for your application.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

Holly is the only way to go. Much easier to work on as well.

 

[KurtS]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

I took off my 2 barrel carb last night and verified that I do have a adapter plate over a 4 barrel spread bore manifold. From what I was able to reseach I think the holley will be an easier swap, the only thing I would have to buy would be a 1 inch spacer. The edelbrock carb costs less, but I would have to buy a spacer that went from square bore to spread bore and it may not flow as well. Either carb will require a new fuel line from my fuel pump. Anyone see any error to my reasoning?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

No error in your reasoning. I did it with the 4175 Holley spread-bore a year or two ago. 80 to 100 hours later and I have absolutely no regrets. I actually think my fuel consumption may have gone DOWN a little bit...and it was cheap and easy. If you have more time than sense, you can read my saga in how I reached my decision and what my performance results were. Even some pics of how I handled the fuel line, throttle linkage, etc:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2660122#post2660122

I am not a fan of square to spread bore adapters, so I think the Edelbrock wouldn't perform quite as well because airflow wouldn't be as smooth. Plus I think you'll find that throttle linkage will be easier and less hassle with the Holley, since your motor is already fitted with a Holley and everything is lined up correctly for it already. In any event, definitely go spread bore on the carb, since your manifold is designed for it. And definitely put on the 1 inch spacer. I did not at first...the carb will fit and function fine without it. However my performance and HP improved noticably after I put the spacer on.

 

[KurtS]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

craze1cars, I read through your lengthy post a number of times. Actually, from all I could find googling the subject, what you provided in that post helped me the most. Thank you. I went ahead and got a rebuild kit for my 2 barrel. I was afraid if I bought a 4 barrel carb from Holley that it would not get to me before labor day weekend. I didn't want to miss a long weekend on the water. I still may do the 4 barrel swap during the off-season. Right now I feel like I'm right between a 17P and 19P prop and hopefully the 4 barrel will give me enough to run a 19P. Thanks again.

 

[wesmann2003]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

why hasn't anyone suggested a Quaderjet?....

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

Probably because of the title of the post...he was asking opinions between Holley and Edelbrock.

There is absolultely nothing wrong with a Q-jet. It would work well...just make darn sure it's a Marine version. My super long post I linked above had several Q-jet references from people who have done it and suggested it.

Again the Volvo is already set up for Holley linkage, because the Volvo 5.0L in question is already factory equipped with a Holley...so that linkage hurdle would still exist if you wanted to change to a Q-jet.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Holley or Edelbrock 4 barrel

I prefer eddys but it sounds like the Holley would be the best best here. Both are quality units.

V