BUICK 1964 Skylark Coupe Project

[joesregalproject]

Some of those 800 cfm carbs are asking crazy prices these days. Especially the hipo stuff. I saw some w72 ones listing $800, $1000, $1200 and not even restored yet. Things are starting to go nuts.

That's insane. Buick used a lot of 800 cfm carbs. I thought everything after '73 for Buick V8s were 800 CFM, but that was incorrect. My '76 350 came with an 800 CFM on it.

Anything special about them vs an 800cfm truck carb?

I'm not an expert but I assume the usual Quadrajet anomalies- chevy used a side mount fuel inlet, the throttle linkages are a little different, but more importantly the jetting, rods and idle circuit clearances are all wildly different between models.

 

[Supercharged111]

That's insane. Buick used a lot of 800 cfm carbs. I thought everything after '73 for Buick V8s were 800 CFM, but that was incorrect. My '76 350 came with an 800 CFM on it.

I'm not an expert but I assume the usual Quadrajet anomalies- chevy used a side mount fuel inlet, the throttle linkages are a little different, but more importantly the jetting, rods and idle circuit clearances are all wildly different between models.

The latter 3 are all adjustable, although the idle stuff can really take you down a rabbit hole.

 

[joesregalproject]

The latter 3 are all adjustable, although the idle stuff can really take you down a rabbit hole.

Exactly. There are so many different metered orifices in the idle circuit you've really gotta know what your doing to tune them just right. Even setting up the right jet/rod combo for the primaries can be a little tricky. I think it's best to start with the right carb for the application and adjust from there rather than start with a different one and try to set it up from scratch.

 

[Supercharged111]

Exactly. There are so many different metered orifices in the idle circuit you've really gotta know what your doing to tune them just right. Even setting up the right jet/rod combo for the primaries can be a little tricky. I think it's best to start with the right carb for the application and adjust from there rather than start with a different one and try to set it up from scratch.

Is your engine representative of a factory offering? I have no idea how you've set it up for cam, compression, and head flow. Judging by your posts, you must have targeted a carb that you think is close.

 

[olds307 and 403]

That is a pretty aggressive cam. I have 83 non CCC Qjet, 800 cfm, I will sell for reasonable. I totally recalibrated it, bushed the primary throttle shafts with Cliff Ruggles high performance kit and choke pull off. I was planning on going with a cam similar to yours but enjoy a smooth idle too much. PM if interested, here is the build thread.

Quadrajet Build Thread - ClassicOldsmobile.com

Small Blocks - Quadrajet Build Thread - I plan on building this 800 cfm model that came off a 85 Buick station wagon with a blown up 307 swirl port motor, had it for 23 years to replace the current super lean 83 carb on the 70S. I plan on totally recalibrating it for a 220ish duration cam. I...

classicoldsmobile.com

 

[ck80]

I'm sure you've got your eye out for a 64 Buick shop manual, but, in the meantime that haul of old shop manuals I picked up this afternoon had some early 60s generics (Motor brand) in the pile. Stuff went as far back as the mid 1940s so I couldn't resist.

If you need me to try flipping through to see if there's direct info about anything in particular that's tricky I'd be happy to.

Unfortunately, the same trip saw the replacement for the rotte carlo fall through. The 1941 Ford business coupe had ALL the serial numbers ground away. Missing the one by the motor mount didnt surprise me, but, the ones further back under the floorboards being gone and obviously ground smooth (albeit years ago) certainly did. Still, the manuals were cheap, and, I think I can pass some on.

 

[81cutlass]

Got you carbonator rebuild kit right here

Holley Sniper EFI 550-520 Holley Sniper EFI Super Sniper 650 - Classic Gold

Holley's Super Sniper EFI 650 is the #1 way to convert your blow-through carbureted turbo engine to fuel injection with just 4 simple connections required. This 4-barrel system features a dual pattern bolt on design built to fit 4150 flange & spreadbore manifolds. Super Sniper is designed...

www.holley.com

 

[DRIVEN]

Hey, that's the exact same kit that fits my Olds 425!

 

[olds307 and 403]

How are you guys finding the Sniper? I have heard a few reliability issues, parts going bad right away and the progressive linkage being needed. Overall much better than the Fitech, which some people had an absolute nightmare with. My biggest issue in getting one, according to Mark Remmel(Cutlassefi), is a slow and inaccurate O2 sensor function, tested against his dyno. Holley's response was, what do you expect for the price? With ignition control, it is now 2 grand US, yikes! Man, everything is getting ridiculous for price. The Terminator is much better for a few dollars more, from what I hear, and probably the way, I will go. What can I say, I would like reliable, which the Sniper seems to be for the most part. Would also like to see a MPG increase with EFI, which I haven't heard anyone say about the Sniper EFI, which is strange to me. Can of worms open!

 

[joesregalproject]

Is your engine representative of a factory offering? I have no idea how you've set it up for cam, compression, and head flow. Judging by your posts, you must have targeted a carb that you think is close.

It's not factory. Bigger cam, more compression, better flowing heads. Nothing in the valvetrain is stock. Moderate street/strip spec. These engines were equipped with 750-800 CFM carbs from the factory. I've talked to the machine shop that did the engine work as well as Quadrajet Power and they agreed that an 800 CFM Buick 350 Q-Jet with some tweaking would suit it well.

That is a pretty aggressive cam. I have 83 non CCC Qjet, 800 cfm, I will sell for reasonable. I totally recalibrated it, bushed the primary throttle shafts with Cliff Ruggles high performance kit and choke pull off. I was planning on going with a cam similar to yours but enjoy a smooth idle too much. PM if interested, here is the build thread.

Quadrajet Build Thread - ClassicOldsmobile.com

Small Blocks - Quadrajet Build Thread - I plan on building this 800 cfm model that came off a 85 Buick station wagon with a blown up 307 swirl port motor, had it for 23 years to replace the current super lean 83 carb on the 70S. I plan on totally recalibrating it for a 220ish duration cam. I...

classicoldsmobile.com

It's a moderate cam, I wanted a mild lope. There are more aggressive cams out there but I don't want race car idle.

I'll read through that thread shortly. I'm gonna hold off on buying anything just yet but I appreciate it and will keep it in mind.

Got you carbonator rebuild kit right here

Holley Sniper EFI 550-520 Holley Sniper EFI Super Sniper 650 - Classic Gold

Holley's Super Sniper EFI 650 is the #1 way to convert your blow-through carbureted turbo engine to fuel injection with just 4 simple connections required. This 4-barrel system features a dual pattern bolt on design built to fit 4150 flange & spreadbore manifolds. Super Sniper is designed...

www.holley.com

That's a strange looking Quadrajet... On a real note, it's 100% not out of the question. I'd prefer to do that further down the road after the car is up and running but if I get into carburetor troubles, I won't hesitate to go to EFI.