My Buick 340 needs a carb

Discussion in 'Jeeps with the Buick Heartbeat' started by mpc, Mar 18, 2020.

  1. mpc

    mpc Member

    Hello all,

    I have acquired a running Buick 340 that I will be installing in my 1950 Willys Truck. I bought it as a running engine, but part of the deal was that the owner kept the carb. The truck will be primarily a street cruiser. It may see some dirt, but not much.

    I am leaning towards purchasing an Edelbrock AVS2 650 cfm carb for it. As I have come to learn the 340 is a bit of a unique animal, so I thought I should check in with the Buick experts before spending a bunch of money.

    This one has a 4 barrel intake, square bore (all 4 holes the same size?). I am not very carburetor savy; learning as I go. So what I've found out so far is that I need a special adapter plate for the AVS2.
    This guy: https://www.hedman.com/part-search/?PartNumber=3225

    I think I would need an adapter even if I was not getting the AVS2 because of the location/size of the holes in this manifold, but I don't really know. I know carb preference is a lot personal opinion, but does this combo look reasonable for the Buick 340? It will have a TH400 mated to it with a Dana 20 transfer case. Easy of tuning and maintenance is a priority for me.

    Thanks.
     
  2. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    The correct carb for that engine is an Carter AFB 4331. Not sure if I have one, I will check. An Edlbrock 1405 will also work. Is you Willys set-up for a Buick engine? Curious what trans you plan to use. Are you going to retain the 4 wheel drive. That's a project I always wanted to do.
     
  3. mpc

    mpc Member

    I'm using TH400 auto and Dana 20 transfer case.

    I forgot to mention, the engine is supposedly from a 1967 Le Sabre.
    Is that still a Carter AFB 4331 for the factory carb? Thanks.
     
  4. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Any reason why he wanted to keep the carb? Could you talk him out of it or trade him something? I'm no expert but what I have read is that the Carters are set up for specific engines and cars. That's the jets, air bleeds, everything. One disadvantage to using a Edelbrock is that they are more generic. My advice is getting a Carter AFB 4331 (factory number) and sending it to an expert to get rebuilt. I have used Tom Telesco and can recommend him. He is on the board as telriv. This is the full number off my Carter for a 1967 340 in a special wagon:
    IMG_0900.JPG
    If you plan to modify the engine the carb setup may change... Also, you will need to block off the exhaust ports under the carb:
    IMG_0896.JPG that's the channel full of cr*p! There is a hole port and starboard where the channel widens near the center.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2020
  5. mpc

    mpc Member

    The carb that was on it for the test drive was an Edelbrock. I don't know what model. He owed it to someone else and it's gone.
    My manifold looks just like yours. I'm not opposed to using the original carb for this engine, but I can't take on rebuilding it. It needs to be as plug and play as possible.
    Thanks for the info.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2020
  6. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    IF you find one send it my way.
     
  7. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    I will.
     
  8. mpc

    mpc Member

    Mr. Telesco what do you charge for rebuilding a carb?
     
  9. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Sorry I cannot really quote a price as there are so many variables. It can be from a minimum of $300.00 up to $800.00 depending on what may be needed, restored, rebuilt.
    Good thing is I install them on a running driving '64 Riv. to make absolutely sure they work properly & as intended.
    Don't need ANY PROBLEMS especially when doing for overseas customers.

    Tom T.
     
  10. mpc

    mpc Member

    OK, thanks.
    I'll have to keep looking at other options.
     
  11. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Maybe Phil (above) has one. You can find them on ebay...or ask here on the board!
     
  12. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    I found one, PM sent.
     
  13. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Excellent - if you are going with Tom you will be very pleased!
     
  14. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    I myself am not a big fan of edelbrock carbs. I have to admit my wifes 340-4 special runs good with the one that was on the car when we bought it. We got 18 mpg on the highway on the power tour last year. I was looking to replace it with a rebuilt carter 4331 but for what we do with the car I think we'll keep the edelbrock for now. If I plan to do anything with the car as far as restoration I think I'd do the 4331 to make it correct. It's the only aftermarket part on the car. Presently the car is in storage and won't pick it up until the end of April it's a 100 miles from our house. I could give you the number of the edelbrock carb when she comes home. That's the best I could do. Right now we are under state quarantine for the corona virus and are hunkered down in the house until at least April 7th. for now. Right now we only go out of the house for food or medicine to lessen the chance of getting sick and spreading the virus.
     
  15. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

  16. mpc

    mpc Member

    Thanks. Yes, please let me know your Edelbock carb number when available. Unfortunately, with the virus situation right now. I'm hesitant to spend money on the project right now, so I may be in research mode for awhile.
     
  17. robert caris

    robert caris Well-Known Member

    I ran a 650 edelbrock on my 340 in my lesabre had no problems with it. also ran a 500 on it with no problem. I did go back to stock carb. after I rebuild engine.
     

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