carb and ps pumps for 454 in 24' argosy

[Eric F]

Mechanic just installed a remanufactured long block and th400 in my 1976 argosy 24. He ended up removing & re-installing the heads due to low clearance for the engine hatch.

He tells me that the carburetor is leaking from its base and needs replacement. Also, the steering pump has small leak.

I see a wide variety of carbs for the 454 priced from $250 to $800ish. I principally want reliability and worry about increasing power beyond what the th400 can handle. Oh yes, we care about price.

PS pumps: a bunch sell for $60. Some sell for $250. Few in-between.

I'd appreciate some guidance on selection.

Thanks, Eric

[Dexterpix]

Just me but I wouldn't waste money on a carb set up when you can convert to a factory TBI system for better efficiency.

https://affordable-fuel-injection.co...te-tbi-system/

Joe

[Waipio Rim]

I got a replacement carb from Summit Racing for our ‘90 345. Looked identical to the original. I just bolted it up, turned the idle up a hair, and it runs great. Around $300 plus core charge.

[Eric F]

This is for my '76 argosy 24.
I see a bunch for $60ish, and others for $250ish.

Are the $60 ones "just fine" or bad news?

Thanks,
Eric

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Dexterpix

Just me but I wouldn't waste money on a carb set up when you can convert to a factory TBI system for better efficiency.

https://affordable-fuel-injection.co...te-tbi-system/

Joe

THIS...'cept maybe a Holly unit.

Bob
🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

[uraljohn]

If your looking to keep your MH as a long termer seriously consider spending the extra $$$ for a Fuel Injection upgrade. Several companies make very good systems. The difference in drivability, fuel mileage, and smoothness of operation is worth it. I am an old school drag racer and have run several 454's back in the day. A "Well Set Up" Quad is a really great carb. No match for todays F.I. set ups. Pay now or pay later. With $5.00 per gallon for gas you need to squeeze every drop of efficiency out of that old 454. Do not worry about over powering the Turbo 400. The 454 in your MH is a low compression smog Engine that would need serious upgrades to exceed the power limits of the Turbo 400. Good luck with either direction you go.

[geirws]

i have a 1977 agrosy 454 i would replace the carb with the same as original carb its been running this long and i wouldnt mess with it

[John Ware]

Carburetors can be rebuilt. What's leaking? Gas? Is it sucking air? Base plate warped? Need a new gasket? Throttle plate ok?

[Eric F]

says that the baseplate is sucking air. I would think some RTV around the gasket would solve, but he says to replace it

[davidz71]

I had nothing but trouble from two Holley 4 barrel units. A Holley rep. took the second one to take a closer look at it and nothing came back as to why the bases were warping on the Edelbrock SP2P alum. manifold. This was on a Jeep CJ7 with 304 engine. I got a Carter Quadrajet, same thing that was on my '70 GTO, and it ran fine after that. I sure miss both those vehicles.

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by Eric F

says that the baseplate is sucking air. I would think some RTV around the gasket would solve, but he says to replace it

A lot of times the bushings would wear and suck air. Once upon a time we had a couple of good carb shops that would re-bush them but they are long gone, not enough carb business to keep open.