Trying to make a decision on a carb

[BigOrsnge]

I've read through some old carb threads but have several questions (I'm hard headed or just dumb I guess).
1973 Explorer package with original everything almost. 302 engine. Always has had a 2 barrel. Choke was hooked to headers "originally".
Got new headers recently (replacing a lot to get this thing rolling right) and replaced fuel lines, tank, manual pump. So, two barrel or four? electric choke? (assume hook to alternator?? wasn't manual choke equipped originally). Any particular carb? Prefer little adjusting obviously because I'm no mechanic. It's going to mainly be a back road cruiser but could go in the Mississippi mud here and there. Nothing crazy.

 

[cldonley]

Simplest route is going back to original. Very reliable, not much tuning at all, doesn't mind being tipped and leaned on the trail. The heat riser type automatic choke works fine if you have all the original parts. If you're changing from cast iron exhaust manifolds to headers, you can go with the electric choke or add manual. Manual choke is pretty fool-proof. Hardest part of sticking with the 2bbl is finding a good one off the shelf (i.e. not made in china). There are good rebuild kits out there for the original pretty cheap, and not hard to rebuild. Or take it to a reliable shop and get it rebuilt. I swapped my 302 for a 351W and went with the original carb, at least for now. Started it up for the first time yesterday and it runs pretty nice.

If you want to try rebuilding the carb yourself, you'll need some simple tools, this carb kit https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CRB25585?impressionRank=1 and a gallon of chem dip. There is plenty of info on line like this youtube video

. Haven't watched this one myself, but it has 67,000 views... Anyway, the point is it isn't rocket science. (Disclaimer-I used to teach aviation carburetors to aspiring aircraft mechanics at a technical college, so it's simple to me ). Disassemble, soak the metal parts in the chem dip for a while to make sure all those little orifices are clear, reassemble with new springs and gaskets and such, mount it back on the intake and let'r rip.

 

[tirewater]

How many barrels does your intake manifold have? If you have the stock intake, then you're stuck with a 2 barrel carburetor. Unless you want to chasing power.

I've kept mine stock, and use a Motorcraft 2150 carburetor. I don't know if your year had a 2100 or 2150, but either should work.

If you don't already have a 2150, then finding a good one can be an adventure...

 

[BigOrsnge]

I've been using a cheap 2100 type I got from Summit 5 years ago. It's junk. Damn thing rusted up and just didn't hold up. I'm not skilled enough to rebuild at this point. May play around with the old one to learn.
Intake is original but I've got another I can throw on it for a four barrel while I've got it apart.
Have a half inch spacer on current setup too.

 

[Timmy390]

How about the Sniper 2300? Looks like a carb...just add external pump and return line. Not hating on carbs but after 20 plus years of screwing with one on my Bronco..... I love my EFI

Looking to ditch the carb on my 390FE Stang soon......

Tim

 

[BigOrsnge]

How about the Sniper 2300? Looks like a carb...just add external pump and return line. Not hating on carbs but after 20 plus years of screwing with one on my Bronco..... I love my EFI

Looking to ditch the carb on my 390FE Stang soon......

Tim

Too much money right now. Plus I just redid my fuel setup for a carb.

 

[Timmy390]

I ran a replacement from AutoZone for the 20 plus years I was carbed. Came with a Holley tag on ot as I recall.

As for 2 or 4 barrel, I would stick to the stock 2 and stock intake. Going 4 with no other upgrades is just going to be more expense at the pump. Not enough gain to justify to change IMO. I would save up and go EFI in the future.

Tim

 

[BigOrsnge]

I ran a replacement from AutoZone for the 20 plus years I was carbed. Came with a Holley tag on ot as I recall.

As for 2 or 4 barrel, I would stick to the stock 2 and stock intake. Going 4 with no other upgrades is just going to be more expense at the pump. Not enough gain to justify to change IMO. I would save up and go EFI in the future.

Tim

Just curious, only changes needed for EFI are a return line and pump/filter basically? As far as fuel system? Obviously closing off the manual pump. I really haven't looked at EFI very closely due to the price. Holley looks like the best one I think. Any glitches with it? Handle ethanol fuel better I assume?

 

[Timmy390]

I don't run the Sniper on my EB but plan to on my 69 Mach 1. I've researched the 4 barrel a far bit which is to say I ruled out all the other TB-EFI's I've not done much research on the 2 barrel system but imagen it's just like the 4 barrel as far as setup.

It looks like it uses an E2000 pump which is the same as I'm using for my Ford EFI. I'm using my stock tank and sender with no issues and I've ran it WAY to low before.
EFI fuel filter
You will need a return line which I plumbed into the filler neck vent.
O2 sensor so the system can tune it's self. Master kit comes with clamp on O2
It has the C4 kick down lever
Only 4 Wiring Connections Required! (Battery +, Battery - , Switched Ignition & RPM)

The big question is will it mount to the Bronco 2 barrel intake? This is the part I'm unsure of. The Bronco is listed in Holley's application guide

Tim

 

[cldonley]

I don't run the Sniper on my EB but plan to on my 69 Mach 1. I've researched the 4 barrel a far bit which is to say I ruled out all the other TB-EFI's I've not done much research on the 2 barrel system but imagen it's just like the 4 barrel as far as setup.

It looks like it uses an E2000 pump which is the same as I'm using for my Ford EFI. I'm using my stock tank and sender with no issues and I've ran it WAY to low before.
EFI fuel filter
You will need a return line which I plumbed into the filler neck vent.
O2 sensor so the system can tune it's self. Master kit comes with clamp on O2
It has the C4 kick down lever
Only 4 Wiring Connections Required! (Battery +, Battery - , Switched Ignition & RPM)

The big question is will it mount to the Bronco 2 barrel intake? This is the part I'm unsure of. The Bronco is listed in Holley's application guide

Tim

I was considering this too, and it says it bolts right up to the Ford stock intake. Ought to be a nice upgrade, but I don't know anyone who's running the 2bbl version.

 

[Timmy390]

Seems like fitment isn't an issue...

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/holley-sniper-two-barrel-and-manifold.306772/

Tim

 

[SteveL]

I seem to remember guys having issues trying to dial in the holley sniper. I know I threw away one of the early holley efi kits for being a pos.

 

[BigOrsnge]

About a $1K more than a good carb is just hard to do for me.

 

[Jarrett h]

Holley sniper owner here. Motor runs clean & strong after dialing in some of the parameters on the handheld. Completely new 408 stroker motor never run before...

 

[Timmy390]

About a $1K more than a good carb is just hard to do for me.

Oh I get it it's allot of money. I just out it out there as an option......I just got tired of ethanol issues (jelly in my card) and chock issues and well all the things you deal with when a carb sits for sometimes weeks.

Now that I'm EFI I drive SO much more often and love the ability to hit the key in any conditions an she fires right up. In the end, going EFI was worth it for me as I enjoy my rig so much more now.

Tim