Okay so here’s my situation. I got a 1984 El Camino that was originally a diesel with a small block 350, yes I had never heard of that before hand but I have 100% confirmed that’s what it was. It had since been converted to gas before I came into contact with it, I’m pretty sure it’s completely stock for a small block 350. I don’t really know too much of what I am doing as this is my first time I’ve ever worked on an engine before that wasn’t on like a lawnmower. So that’s the backstory now here comes my question. I have a Holley brawler 850 CFM mechanical secondary carburetor that my dad managed to get a hold of somehow but now it belongs to me. So my plan is to put that carburetor on this pretty sure a completely stock small block 350 which I know is definitely too much but I want to be able to make it work and I’m wondering if that would be possible. I don’t wanna know what you think would be best unless you actually know what the **** your talking about, I don’t care on what you think would happen. What have you seen happen, I would only like it if you had actual concrete evidence I’m tired of everybody in the mechanic world lying about what they really do know and what they don’t know because it’s a pretty damn common theme. so my question would be is it possible? well it’s going to be possible cause I’m putting it on there no matter what but some help would really be nice but I’ve done most of my **** through trial and error anyways so some advice would really help but
only if you actually know how to make it work

 

That Engine is a well known Oldsmobile 5.7L (350 CID) Diesel V8 (Not a Chevrolet Engine).

The Oldsmobile Diesel V8 Program was created from what was originally a Gasoline Oldsmobile 350 Engine.
People have in the past converted from Diesel to Gasoline Systems with this Engine.

Regarding a Carburetor...
The amount of Air that the Cylinder-Heads can flow, would be far more important than the Engine Displacement.
Yes Engine Displacement, RPM, Ignition Timing, and Carburetor Tuning are also factors towards what Carburetor would be ideal...
But the amount of Air that the Cylinder Heads can move, is the biggest factor.

Vacuum Secondary Carburetors are far more forgiving in the situation of an Engine and Carburetor mismatch.

Unfortunately, the Oldsmobile Diesel 350 Engine is a Dog (good Torque production, but very little HP) and the Cylinder Head performance is horrible.
I would recommend a 600 CFM Carburetor for this Engine, if you want to use Mechanical Secondaries.

 

NOTE:

To any of you guys that are testing out Carburetors...
Popping/ Backfiring/ Flames out of the Carburetor when going to Full Throttle...
Is a big indication that the Carburetor is TOO Large, thus the Air to Fuel Ratio is very Lean.

 

That carburetor is way too much for your engine. If you decide to put better heads and a decent cam on that 350, a 650 would do. 850's are made for an all out performance application, or big blocks.

 

I looked up the Brawler and saw it at least had a downleg booster in it which would make tuning a touch easier however an annular booster would be the best case scenario for you. But in all truth, since you had to ask I doubt your tuning skills are up to the task. You would likely be best off if you unloaded that carb if it’s in good shape and with your new found funds buy a more appropriately sized one. More appropriate being around 500cfm and I’d stick with a vac sec. What intake are you running? Is it a square bore or spread bore? There are adapters but if you have to start out with a new carb it’d be best to not have to bother with one.