....which so happens to be better fuel economy with a 4 barrel carb.?o No: I am not so sure, but I have heard that the jets on a 2 barrel carb. are a bit bigger than those on a 4 barrel, and since the 2 barrel jets are working non-stop, wouldn't it make sense that w/ a 4 barrel, since only 2 of the jets(which are smaller than the 2 barrel jets) would be operating under cruising/daily driving conditions, that I would get a couple more MPG going the 4 barrel route? I understand it will suck up the gas more too when opened up at WOT, but I don't plan on engaging the secondaries at every or every other stop sign. I am only averaging between 12-15 MPG when cruising with it now. What kind of CFM's should I look into? This is a stock 1970 Buick 350 engine. Want to get an aluminum intake and a fine tuned 4 barrel carb., but not sure if this will help me achieve better fuel economy or not. I do want more performance as well, but I need to know first if it will help me improve or not. Any help/suggestions is appreciated! Thanks!!!
You will save gas with the 4bbl,Q Jets are famous for it,as long as you keep the right foot at bay.That's easier said than done:3gears: .A good tune up will do wonders too,check out the Wizard's timing thread.The search function is an asset to this site and you'll find all kind of info there too.Some will chime in,I'll say,do it :bglasses: .
dual exhaust will also bump up the milage a mile or 2. again though the trick is to stay out of the secondarys. along with a good tuneup and keeping the points in check.
I've had good results running a very lean primary jetting, almost stumbling lean, and Bosch Platinum-4 spark plugs, with a points conversion in the distributor. A good flowing air cleaner is critical as well as exhaust. Also realize a 350 Buick is never going to be a Prius. You might get 1-2 mpg improvement in town at best. Driving habits can help too though. The good thing is that many of the intake, exhaust, and ignition upgrades that improve performance will also improve economy, IF you can stay off the gas!
I'd say you should save the $ spent on a alum intake and get a Q jet rebuilt by John osborne to match the specs of your car. Like said above change to dual exhaust, and tune it up. Nothing wrong with the alum intake but $ for $ it is not the most noticable improvement. I gained about 4 mpg from a 2bb to a rebuilt 4bb, cleaned gas tank, power timing, ect.
