Carb Q for 302 ford

[erikgreen]

Hi all -

I managed to pick up an aluminum 4 barrel OEM intake for my ford 302 (Merc 188), and I'm carb shopping now. I've been advised to stay clear of the Holleys since they tend to need repairs after backfires(?), but does anyone have a part number and good source/price for an Edelbrock or similar four barrel for a ford 302?

Second question, I'm aware that carbs can be made to work on multiple engine sizes provided an adapter plate is used as needed and the fuel/air flow is sufficient. Could I get a model of carb somewhere that I can use on the 302 then later migrate to a 351?

Thanks,
Erik

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

Boomie will have some answers for ya...... ​

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

Eric, the problem you mentioned with Holleys has an easy remedy. For older carbs you can get a little kit that prevents the Power Valve blow out. On a new Holley that feature is factory installed.

Your only practical two options are either the Holley or the Edelbrock. I like the Holley and have no experience with the Edelbrock. Many use it and swear by it but many over at a Ford Windsor Website that I frequent do not like it and strongly favor the Holley. They do not like the Edelbrock.

Either one could be re-jetted to fit the 351.

IMHO, a stock marine 302 would be best served by a 450 cfm 4bbl. Both Holley and Edelbrock make them in the auto version (and plainly state their suitability for Small Block V8's) but only Holley makes them in the Marine version. Albiet, they are more expensive than the 600 cfm 4160. This is what I am going to put on my stock 888.

However, if you really think that you will move up to a 351W, I would go with the 600 cfm, set up intitially for your 302.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

Cool, sounds like a plan. Now I need to find a source for the new Holley....

Erik

 

[Windykid]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

here you go!


http://www.holley.com/division/Holley.asp#63

 

[jdooner]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

I put a Holley 600cfm, vacuum secondaries, on my 302 and it worked great. I see them on eBay for $219.95 in the boat parts section, if you're interested.
jd

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

Here is a link for the 450 cfm/302 best suited

http://www.cpperformance.com/detail.aspx?ID=3377

Here is one for the 600 cfm/302 compromise

http://www.cpperformance.com/detail.aspx?ID=3379

There are a lot of 4160 600 cfms that are set up for 351's. Some ads just claim 'universal'. I don't know what they are suited for. You don't want to start out with any of those for a 302. These are the best prices I've found for new carbs.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

I put a Holley 600cfm, vacuum secondaries, on my 302 and it worked great. I see them on eBay for $219.95 in the boat parts section, if you're interested.
jd

I would assume that those were 'rebuilt', for that price. This is always an option if you can specify Holley 'listed' for 302/5.0. One thing that gets me about a 'rebuilt' is that they absolutely do not flow test them. They just clean them up and stick a renew kit in them. I'm sure however that most of them work.

The net is full of 'rebuilts' for around 295$.

Here is a site for one of those. Scroll down to find the Holley

http://www.i-5automotive.com/page4.html

 

[jdooner]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

Hmmm..my post disappeared, I'll try again...
I put a Holley 600cfm, vacuum secondaries, on my 72 California and it ran great. I see them on eBay in the 'boat parts' section for $219.95. I don't know if a 450cfm would be better or not.
jd

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

Hmmm..my post disappeared, I'll try again...

Nope, it's still up there jd.

 

[jdooner]

Re: Carb Q for 302 ford

3rd try with this post...
I put a 600cfm on my 302 and it worked great. Holleys can be found on eBay under 'boat parts'. I don't know if a 450cfm would be better or not.
jd