4-Barrel Carb Swap on 5.7L Chevy Motor

Tomato · Criminal Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 88 City: Escalon, CA

I am thinking about swapping out my Holley 2 barrel for a 4 barrel on my Volvo 5.7L GS. Can't decide if the cost is worth it-I figure about $550 for a new carb and intake.

Anyone out there done it? Were the gains worth it? The warranty could be voided if I do it, but I think I can work this out with my dealer.

If I tear the intake off, I will also upgrage to an MSD distributor/ignition system.

Thanks.

tc · Posted: Jul 01, 2003 3:09 pm Post subject: Why don't you just....

Why don't you just install the EFI kit.

I think they have an EFI kit avail for the 5.7, not sure but you might want to look into that.

Richie Martin · Posted: Jul 01, 2003 3:15 pm Post subject:

If you don't do the EFI get an edelbrock.

According to my mechanic it is a much better carb for marine applications.
He gave me a bunch of reasons, but I don't feel like typing them.

Tomato · Criminal Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 88 City: Escalon, CA

EFI's are nice, but they cost around $2K, plus you have to add all the electronics to support it.

I hate to disagree on the Edelbrock recommendation, but I went through 2 of them on my '67 Camaro before finally giving in and going with the tried and true Holley. Most people I know that have/had an Edelbrock carb, including me, find that they cause a terrible stumble right off idle. I put the old Holley DP on and no more problems...Thanks for the thought, though.

bshell · Posted: Jul 03, 2003 10:57 am Post subject:

I upgraded from a 2 to a 4 and used a mercrusier Quadrajet I bought from a local marine dealer with a blown engine. rebuild kit was $20 and new secondary rods were $9..main jets and rods were fine. The carb came off a 7.4L and went on a 5.7. Bought the intake off ebay for $40, paid $100 for the carb. You will also need a new fuel line and gaskets. I would consider going with a high rise intake if you have the room in the engine compartment. MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE you don't but the distributor back on wrong. Mark the spot that the rotor sits and use that as a guide when putting back..other wise take it to a dealer and have them reset your timing. Two recommendations... Advance Auto book on quadrajet carbs and Boating magazine just did an article in the July issue abou this upgrade...hope it helps. I got about 3mph top end and much better/consistent power while pulling. General rule is 10hp per mph increase. So about 30hp seems right.

Tomato · Criminal Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 88 City: Escalon, CA

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, my dealer advised that they would void my damn warranty if I modified the engine. I thought they would be cool-guess not.