Is a new carb be a good performance mod? How much more hp? What is a good brand? Thanks

 

All the right questions haven't been asked yet.

Are you in an emissions inspection/testing area? If the answer is "yes", then carb isn't a good mod for you, since the only "legal" carbs for 3rd gens were computer controlled, and no carbs were available in 1988 models. So, TPI is the only "legal" change you can make (other than TBI mods - check on that forum for ideas along that line).

If these little "legalities" aren't a concern for you, then good carbs are q-jets, Holley, Demon, and (in the opinion of some, none named "Jester") Edelbrock. Any would require a vacuum/mechanical advance distributor as well. Eliminating the computer will also necessitate rigging up some means of locking the torque converter clutch.

FWIW, the main limitations of TBI were exhaust and cam - same as factory carb cars. In addition, TBI engines got the dreaded "swirl-port" heads, which were good for emissions, torque, and economy, but death to performance. So, just putting a carb on top of your engine won't solve all of your performance "issues", and may in fact not increase your HP at all.

 

A new carb(I vote Holley) can be a good performance mod if you choose correctly. If you have a fairly stock 350 I would suggest a 650 Holley.