i am looking to get some advice from buick fans! i want to begin working on my 350 2bl engine that is currently bone stock. it has 166K miles and has not been rebuilt. the engine is all there, from a/c to original air cleaner. when i bought the car i was also given a rebuilt 4bl rochester gm carb. i'm not sure i want to upgrade using orginal parts. does anyone know ifgoing aftermarket, such as a 600 cfm edelbrock 4bl car and manifold would be my best best to get more performance out of it? any advice as to how to have a skylark that when i step on the gas, it will just pick up and go, will greatly be appreciated!
To start with all you need is tuning the get your car to get up and go when you hit the gas. The stock 4bb carb that came on these cars is a 750 cfm version so if you go aftermarket use a 750 cfm. There is very little if any gain going to a alum intake over a stock 4bb and you should be able to find a stock intake in your area for about $50. Start by new plugs and wires, tune up, and then see if you still want more power. The 2bb carb is very snappy from low rpm and actually more responsive in street driving. The 4bb will offer better fuel milage when not flooring it and haul but when you floor it.
sean, so you suggest i start off by doing a complete tuneup on the car? also, are you sure the oem 4bbl rochester carb is a 750 cfm? that is great info! would you happen to know where i can pick up a manifold that is compatible with the sort of carb? what i failed to mention in my earlier post is that the previous owner installed a gs hood. he also gave me the gs air cleaner to have the ram air working! any other ideas do make this bad boy pick up and go? any idea if these came with posi rear-ends? thanks for the info...this site is and has always been great!
Yes, Buick 350-4's were all 750cfm and 455's were 800cfm from 71 and up. What are the numbers on the carb, and we can tell you which you have. TA Performance sells the best aluminum intake for the 350, about $300. It will shift your ram air cleaner a bit, causing the foams to not line up with the hood scoops. It may be just fine, but I'm not sure. you will have to check into that.
