Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

[Rob M.]

Hi,

Would appreciate any help with the following questions regarding the Quadrajet and Edelbrock Performer 2101 intake manifold setup on the 350/290 hp crate engine for my 1963 base model (no AC, power brakes, etc.):

1. Will the 1963 accelerator linkage work with the Quadrajet? Any modifications required?
2. Where does the accelerator return spring attach on the Performer 2101 intake manifold? Would the bracket be the same as for a 1968+ vette with Quadrajet?
3. How does choke setup work with Q-jet and Performer 2101 --- do I install the standard divorced choke that would be on a 1968+ vette? Edelbrock included an mounting bracket with the intake manifold but I can't see how the choke would attach to the bracket?
4. With the Q-jet divorced choke setup, can I just ignore the hot air exhaust tube in the 1963 passenger side exhaust manifold? There doesn't appear to be any need to plug it or remove it.
5. Does the Q-jet need a fuel filter in addition to the screen which is inside the carburetor inlet?
6. Will the base model 1968+ fuel line between the fuel pump and the carburetor fit my setup?

Thanks,
Rob

[Mark E.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

Rob,

I can can help with some of this. Kudos for using a Q-jet. It performs great and even though a GM part, it will be a novelty on a '63.

1. This may require some trial and error. Corvette Q-jets used a throttle cable, but see how the linkage you have works. You may need a different length rod, but the big concerns are clearance with the manifold and air cleaner through the full range of motion.

2. A C3 style bracket should work, but this bracket also fastens the end of the throttle cable which you're not using. Functional, but may not look right. Maybe the cable holder can be cut off the bracket?

3. Don't know but Eldebrock should have an answer. It would be clean if the OEM choke Spring, stove and rod fit the manifold.

4. I believe you're correct.

5. Only the original style filter at the carb's fuel inlet is needed. It's a filter not a screen.

6. Equivocally, yes. I'm unsure how a '63 fuel pump's outlet compares to a C3 pump. Also, a prebent line may need some persuasion to accommodate the aftermarket manifold if it has a different height.

Post photos when done!

[Joe L.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

Hi,

Would appreciate any help with the following questions regarding the Quadrajet and Edelbrock Performer 2101 intake manifold setup on the 350/290 hp crate engine for my 1963 base model (no AC, power brakes, etc.):

1. Will the 1963 accelerator linkage work with the Quadrajet? Any modifications required?
2. Where does the accelerator return spring attach on the Performer 2101 intake manifold? Would the bracket be the same as for a 1968+ vette with Quadrajet?
3. How does choke setup work with Q-jet and Performer 2101 --- do I install the standard divorced choke that would be on a 1968+ vette? Edelbrock included an mounting bracket with the intake manifold but I can't see how the choke would attach to the bracket?
4. With the Q-jet divorced choke setup, can I just ignore the hot air exhaust tube in the 1963 passenger side exhaust manifold? There doesn't appear to be any need to plug it or remove it.
5. Does the Q-jet need a fuel filter in addition to the screen which is inside the carburetor inlet?
6. Will the base model 1968+ fuel line between the fuel pump and the carburetor fit my setup?

Thanks,
Rob

Rob-------


1) I expect that some modification will be required but I can't really say or describe what they will be. This is one of those things that will require "field engineering";

2) You could easily fabricate a bracket for the left rear carb stud for return spring anchor point;

3) The bracket supplied with the manifold is attached to the choke stove feature of the manifold. This will "level" the surface for the choke stove/thermostat. If you currently have a 1968-70 style choke thermostat, you will need to obtain a 1971 style thermostat which includes an integral choke stove. This mounts to the top of the bracket. You will need to fabricate a choke rod from the choke thermostat to the carb choke lever. This is easily done;

4) The hot air choke provisions in the manifold are superfluous. You don't need to cap or otherwise modify;

5) The stock, inlet fuel filter is sufficient. Most original Q-Jet installations used only this filter with no external filter;

6) The 1968 fuel line will work for you IF you also use a 1968 fuel pump. You could use a 1968 fuel pump with no problem. However, the 1968 fuel line is a 2 part line which includes an external fuel filter. The fuel filter (GF-432) has provisions for a fuel return. You would need to cap this off if you were to use it.

[Mark E.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

Rob-------
6) The 1968 fuel line will work for you IF you also use a 1968 fuel pump. You could use a 1968 fuel pump with no problem. However, the 1968 fuel line is a 2 part line which includes an external fuel filter. The fuel filter (GF-432) has provisions for a fuel return. You would need to cap this off if you were to use it.

Good point. I believe the Q-jet's fuel control system (float, needle, seat, filter inlet) are designed to work with a fuel return. So the pump and lines should be selected accordingly. This may be a pain since I believe most C2s don't have the plumbing for this.

Another consideration: Q-jets are calibrated to work with PCV. So this should be added also.

[Joe L.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

Good point. I believe the Q-jet's fuel control system (float, needle, seat, filter inlet) are designed to work with a fuel return. So the pump and lines should be selected accordingly. This may be a pain since I believe most C2s don't have the plumbing for this.

Another consideration: Q-jets are calibrated to work with PCV. So this should be added also.

Mark------


All Corvettes with Q-Jet used a fuel return. However, I don't think that all other Chevrolet models with Q-Jet in the 1965-69 period did. So, I think that using a Q-Jet without fuel return will work OK.

This application MUST use PCV and that's why I earlier instructed him to use 1969+ valve covers. Without PCV and with this modern crate engine, the crankcase would have no ventilation.

[Mark E.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

Mark------

All Corvettes with Q-Jet used a fuel return. However, I don't think that all other Chevrolet models with Q-Jet in the 1965-69 period did. So, I think that using a Q-Jet without fuel return will work OK.

This may require more research. Q-jets are designed to work with a specific range of fuel volume and pressure. Using a mechanical pump, I believe this is typically achieved by using a fuel return system. I'm not sure, but maybe a regulated electric fuel pump can be made to work properly without a return system.

[Rob M.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

Thanks Joe and Mark. Appreciate the help! ---Rob

[Mark E.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

The consensus from Cliff's High Performance is that a Q-Jet does NOT require a fuel return line. See:

http://cliffshighperformance.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?PHPSESSID=89borrlm8plefcr0g408utpaf4&topic=3286.0

[Rob M.]

Re: Quadrajet setup on crate motor in 1963

The consensus from Cliff's High Performance is that a Q-Jet does NOT require a fuel return line. See:

http://cliffshighperformance.com/sim...4&topic=3286.0

Mark --- Thank you for checking into this issue.