Advice on correct carb for 1988 (CA emissions)

[MarshallSF]

I started work on my 290 yesterday to get it ready for CA smog testing. When I pulled off my air filter housing there was an Edelbrock 1406 instead of a Quadrajet (ugh).

I'm now trying to track down a replacement Rochester Quadrajet - anyone know the correct OEM model for a 1988 CA-emissions P30? M4ME? E4MEF?

Even better - anyone have an Edelbrock 1906 they want to sell me

[MarshallSF]

Ok - I talked to the guys at Cliff's Performance and it looks like all Chevy P30's after 1985 or so (both CA & Fed emissions) used the same carb - a Rochester Quadrajet 17085212.

BTW - the Cliff's High Performance forum is amazing for anyone interested in learning about Quadrajets. The guys there are very helpful and knowledgable - Cliff is the author of 'How to Rebuild and Modify Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors'

Here's a great post from their forums on how to get the best MPG from a 454 Quadrajet:
Looking for best MPG on 454

[dadstoy]

Glad you talked to Cliff's and got the info. I would have replied with my number 17080212 but knew there was most certainly a change from '81 to '88. I bought a rebuild kit from them last summer and spoke with Cliff directly. He said to call him anytime if I had any issues with rebuilding. I also have his book.

One thing that was interesting us that when I had him on the phone, I asked about upgrading to the Edelbrock intake. He said trust him that on the 454 in our motorhomes that there is no better intake then the stock manifold and I would only loose power and gas mileage going with anything else.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by MarshallSF

I started work on my 290 yesterday to get it ready for CA smog testing. When I pulled off my air filter housing there was an Edelbrock 1406 instead of a Quadrajet (ugh).

I'm now trying to track down a replacement Rochester Quadrajet - anyone know the correct OEM model for a 1988 CA-emissions P30? M4ME? E4MEF?

Even better - anyone have an Edelbrock 1906 they want to sell me

The Edelbrock 1406 is the carburetor that I'm installing on my new 454 for my 74 Argosy. It's supposed to match up well the the Edelbrock intake manifold and towing rv/cam that I'm installing. The combo came highly recommended from various people that I know. Haven't had a chance to test it yet as the new motor is still sitting on the test stand.

Brad

[MarshallSF]

Brad - the 1406 is working great on the motor. Pulls great, good throttle response, climbs hills well. Seems like a good match - the only reason I'm getting rid of it is CA emissions.

[Jim Foster]

Check with Edelbrock and your local smog guy. Many Edelbrock replacement carbs are smog legal in CA, and are much better than the Quadrajunk. Edelbrock four barrels are the same as the Carter AFB and are a direct replacement. Most street rodders use the Edelbrock. Almost never do they use a Quadrajunk. Do your research regarding smog.

[bkahler]

I believe Jim is correct. There should be a legal version of the 1406 that you can use. Definitely worth looking into.

Glad to hear you like the carb!

Brad

[MarshallSF]

I've checked the ARB executive orders trying to find an exemption for P30s and the 1406. The only Edelbrock carb that appears to be legal for a 1988 is the 1906 (Q-jet Replacement). The 1406 is legal and has an EO for pre-1980 engines if I recall (good for yours Brad).

Would love to keep it - I'll definitely check with a smog ref before yanking it.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by MarshallSF

I've checked the ARB executive orders trying to find an exemption for P30s and the 1406. The only Edelbrock carb that appears to be legal for a 1988 is the 1906 (Q-jet Replacement). The 1406 is legal and has an EO for pre-1980 engines if I recall (good for yours Brad).

Would love to keep it - I'll definitely check with a smog ref before yanking it.

I've got two things going for me. One it's a 1974 so pretty much exempt from everything and two, I live in Kentucky where we don't have emissions testing