QJet rebuilding

[mySAVIOReigns]

I am thinking of getting my Quadrajet rebuilt, but I've got a few questions (especially for those of you around DFW). How much should it cost to have it rebuilt, on average, so that I know I'm not being screwed. Also, where would I look to find a reputable shop - I'm hoping that's where you guys come in handy

Thanks

[CAP11]

My q-jet bit the dust a few weeks ago. I replaced it with the edelbrock #1406. I'll admit that I was a little intimidated by changing out my carb ( I had never done anything to a carb before). I used posts from this board as well as some very helpful videos from the edelbrock website.

My new carb doesn't "hit" quite as hard as the q-jet did but it does get better fuel mileage for me.

[mySAVIOReigns]

I would do that, but I'd have to get an adapter plate or a whole new intake manifold. Depends on if the price is right.

[piecesparts]

Have you thought about doing it yourself? Purchase a kit and go for it, the process is an experieince that you will remember forever.

[mySAVIOReigns]

I have thought about it, but I don't know a single thing about carbs

[cliffsta]

Man, changing intake and carb was a terribly frightening experience for me, but definately a worthwhile one. I know how this electric-choke 4-barrel works WAAY better than I understood the original 2-barrel since we did the entire swap ourselves. I suggest you read up on the topic either here and/or www.73-87.com and rebuild the carburetor yourself. I would imagine the shop fees of someone rebuilding it would rival the cost of a new carburetor, OR you could spend the change on a rebuild kit and do it yourself.

Of course, when piecesparts says "never forget" it may have negative connotations I won't forget the headache my topend swap was :-x but def. worth it.

[85 K5]

Most qjets need bushings replaced. I went to a speed shop and asked there who would do a good job on Qjets. Found a fellow here in Houston that's been doing carbs for at least 20 years, had him do mine and wow I'm impressed. 2 years later it still does well. The 350 rv cam woke up and wants to go - pricey, however. For $250 - 300 he will replate inside and out, rebush, fix the plugs in the wells, and most importantly he will enlarge the proper orifices and tune for air flow resulting in increased performance and efficiency. S and S Performance or SS, don't remember. Ship it to him.

[piecesparts]

There are a lot of things that the Q-jet has over an Edelbrock. The biggest is the difference in the venturies. the secondaries being larger creates a lot of power, however; the carb is one that if you haven't ever worked on one it can be a bit of a monster. The process of getting the adjustments right is daunting to many.

The change out of an intake and carb is something that can be done easily, if you don't rush the process. Make sure that there are no small pieces that drop into the motor and you will be fine. Remember if you are standing on top of the motor with a pry bar to align the new intake, THEN it is going to be a BAD DAY. Don't laugh, I have seen some kids that were doing just that. Their daddy would have slapped them, if he knew.

[jimfulco]

I had mine rebuilt for ~$125 here in Shreveport, but that was 5 or 6 years ago, so it might be a little more these days. That included re-bushing the throttle shaft bores, and a couple of small parts. Shouldn't be too much different in DFW, I wouldn't think.

[rage'nrat638]

shoot rebuild it yourself.. what can it hurt it's already broke...

[MylilBowTie]

I would take a well built quadrajet over an edelbrock or holley for a daily driver stock to mild. Yours will more likely than not need to have the throttle shafts redone. Aside from that you can do everything else to it. If you wanted to or practice on that carb when you get another one. Its 17 years since some of the last factory carbed vehicle left the factory. Some its been even longer than that. Its also getting hard to get quadrajet parts and the fact a good number of people don't like them. For the most part its from lack of knowledge about how to work on them. Any new carb is going to be better than an old one in need of a rebuild. Edelbrock is about the same to buy new than it will cost most times to have a quadrajet rebuilt for.

[grinch4om]

I agree, try it yourself, get a book and an exploded view. If you are really intimidated go ahead and send it to that S+S. I've been doing carbs since the 70's so I know you can do it with any mechanical apptitude. If the throttle shafts are worn out, ship it. remember to replace the float if you do it.