I am helping a friend build up his 85 berlinetta with a carbed V8 and was wondering what options are out there for carb upgrades. We are looking to keep all of the computer stuff in so the carb still has to be computer controlled. Part numbers would be nice. Also, we are working on a budget here, what would be the best cam/intake combo to get. We're not trying to turn this into a drag car but we are upgrading it to a 350 block and we need help. Any help with the carb/intake/cam combo would be great. Thanks!

 

The most cost effective route would be to rebuild the stock CC Q-jet carb. I am not aware of any aftermarket CC Q-jets. Jet performance has performance Q-jets, but I think they just rebuild stock ones. There are some mods to get better performance out of it also. The AV spring tension and AV linkage are easy to do. Check the following tech article: https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/quadrajet.shtml

Since the you are retaining the computer controls, I would avoid too agressive of a cam. Contact Summit, or some of the cam manufacturers and get their advice for cam choice. They will ask you alot about the car to match the right cam profile. They will need basic engine combo: engine size, compression ratio, heads, exhaust, transmission, rearend ratio, torque converter stall speed, etc. You could just go with the Edelbrock Performer intake and cam. Make sure you get one that has the bolt pattern for a Q-jet. I think the basic Performer intake has bolt holes for both Q-jet and Holley's. They also have an emissions legal version with EGR valve provisions.

I think the best combo for a budget is the Edelbrock Performer intake/cam and rebuild the stock Q-jet. The stock Q-jet can be modified to flow more than enough air for a mild 350. With a good exhaust and free flowing intake system(air cleaner), you should have a quick car. Good luck.

 

About what kind of cam profile would you suggest??

 

It all depends on what you want/need. That's why I mentioned to call the cam manufacturers. Do you have a manual or auto transmission? You want to make sure you have enough vacuum for your power brakes, etc. Do you want a smooth idle or rough idle? Do you want low end torque or high RPM horsepower? Is the 350 stock? What compresion ratio? What heads are you using(64cc, 76cc)? You have too many unknowns for me to recommend a specific profile. Give me as much info on the 350 as you have and I might be able to help. Have a good one.

Matt

 

The CC q-jet is the only option out there (have been some rumors about a Mustang CC Holley, no confirmed sightings - wouldn't be better, anyway).

My cam works fine with the computer. It's the biggest one Summit lists under their Crane computer compatible flat-tappet cams.

His heads are going to limit him unless something is done with them. Better valve springs for sure, screw-in rocker studs for reliability, 1.94" intake valves and some porting would help it breathe.

If you don't do exhaust (headers, high flow cat & cat-back), nothing else really matters. Assuming this is an LG4, a better air cleaner is also a must (dual snorkel the preferred and emissions-legal choice).

If you get a more aggressive cam, a higher stall torque converter is required to help it work (assuming he has an automatic).

The intake is the last thing he should spend money on.