Is there a method for identifying Edelbrock Carb models? I'm trying to figure out which variant I have on my 350; I've been unable to locate a model or series stamp on it without taking it off..

Just bought the car, and it runs pretty dang good; 350 with 3.73 gears but I'm trying to get a higher top end speed and some more horsepower out of it. As I can tell, the Carb and manifold are Edelbrock. I'm not a terribly big fan of Edelbrock, but then again I don't want to fork out unnecessary money to convert anything over to another manufacturer.

On the subject of Edelbrock, since the manifold and carb are Edelbrock would it be wise to get an Edelbrock cam (and other performance parts?) to keep things 'in the family'

 

The Edelbrock family of good parts has one member - intake manifolds.

Well, I suppose the heads are okay, but there are as good or better choices for the money even with them.

There's nothing "magic" about having carb, intake and cam made by the same outfit. Keep the intake, get a Holley carb, and a cam from Comp, Lunati, Crane, Bullet - but not Edelbrock.

Although which intake it is may be an issue, depending upon what cam you end up getting.

 

Wow; are Holley carbs that much superior that I should scrap my functioning Edelbrock for one? Which Holley would be recommended?

Also, does the Edelbrock manifold have a proprietary shape, or will a Holley carb fit too?

 

Unless the engine is very mild, you're going to be better off with a Holley.

Which carb really depends upon the details of your engine. And, to some extent, your transmission. We'd need to know the cam, heads, exhaust, and exactly which intake you have in order to give any specific recommendations. Also, what transmission and where your converter stalls if automatic.

There are basically 3 different carb mounts for V8's these days (not counting 2-bbl): spreadbore (the stock q-jet configuration), squarebore (what all Edelbrock carbs and the "standard" Holley's all are), and "Dominator" - race-only Holley size. Your intake is squarebore if it has an Edelbrock on it without an adapter, and may also accommodate spreadbore if a Performer intake.