Author Topic: buy a carb or rebuild the one I have??  (Read 3303 times)

Offline ejones

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buy a carb or rebuild the one I have??
« on: June 20, 2011, 10:20:18 pm »
I have a 1983 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton long bed with 53,000 original miles on a 305(H) engine that needs some tlc. I just drove it from Portland Oregon to Phx Az where i live now knowing the carb needed rebuilt before I left... Well I can't avoid fixing anymore since the secondary "butterfly/bowl" (called??) won't open at all during driving condition.. The trucks backfiring on accell and just running bad.. It will run fine if I wedge the back butterfly open but I can't really do that and drive it around.. So I'm wondering if there's a bolt on carb that I can but or would it be better to rebuild the one I have? I've replaced some vac lines in hopes i just had a leak but it did nothing for it..

Offline snibook7537

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Re: buy a carb or rebuild the one I have??
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2011, 11:30:15 pm »
kinda depends, what's your price range, you could rebuild the carb for under $30.  OR you could go to http://www.smicarburetor.com/products/sfID1/28/sfID2/9/sfID3/32 and blow the $325, and know that it's perfect.  Up to me, if it were me I would try to rebuild it first should only take a few hours.  Just remember that don't lose anything. If you mess up and have the extra cash go for the SMI one.  If you look around on the site a lot of people talk about the quadrajet, *most* think it is the best carb for these trucks (as do I). Q-jets are an exceptional carb, a perfect mix of performance and economy.
1984 Fiero se pwr windows Holley TBi, cam, 86 5spd
1987 GMC V3500 350 TBi 4spd 205 t-case

Shoulda never sold:
1976 c-10 beater 250-6 4spd no pwr steering, brakes. Recycling truck

Offline ejones

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Re: buy a carb or rebuild the one I have??
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2011, 02:52:05 pm »
I ended up taking it to a re-builder (reputable shop) and having it done for $200.. Does any one know the torque spec on the Carb bolts? 10lbs? 15lbs? 20lbs? less?

Offline beastie_3

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Re: buy a carb or rebuild the one I have??
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2011, 03:12:43 pm »
dunno torque, I dont. make sure you go back when its installed so he can adjust everything properly.

Offline ejones

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Re: buy a carb or rebuild the one I have??
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2011, 03:16:56 pm »
yeah I had to take it waaaaaay across town to be rebuilt but I have a shop close by lined up to dial it in. I hope it runs ok enough to get it there is all.