A carburetor is an important part of the engine, which manages how well it operates. It is responsible for regulating the air-fuel ratio and mixing the fuels and also controls the engine speed and load change. All of these tasks are so important that a carburetor has been called the heart and soul of the engine.
Since the function of a carburetor is so important, it is then also essential that you find a carburetor that is perfect for your vehicle. If you are tired of evaluating multiple options only to meet a dead end, look no further. I have compiled just the perfect list of five carburetors for you.
5 Best Carburetors for 350 Chevy
#1. Best Lightweight: Edelbrock 1406 Secondary Electric Choke Carburettor
- Brand: Edelbrock
- Exterior: Brushed
Edelbrock 1406 is a strong and sturdy carburetor with an aluminum body, which makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. Perhaps the best feature of this carburetor is that it weighs 9.15 pounds, which ensures that it does not exert force on other parts.
Furthermore, this carburetor is also a particularly popular one because it offers incredible street performance. The set-up spring or rods of the carburetor is very easy to remove as it only takes a few seconds.
It has also been given a silver shiny finish which makes it resistant to environmental aging, high temperature, and corrosion. The Edelbrock 1406 has also been adjusted for gasoline which makes it more efficient.
Another great factor about this carburetor is that it also has incredible marine performance. The product also helps save fuel, which ensures that it does not damage in case the engine backfires. Furthermore, it does not contain any plastic parts, so the user will not have to worry about leakage.
Pros:
- Easy installation process
- Aluminum body
- Lightweight
- Resistant to environmental aging, high temperature, and corrosion
Cons:
- Difficult to install for some
#2. Holley 0-7448- Best Corrosion Resistance
- Brand: Holley
- Exterior: Machined
Holley 0-7448 is one the best options for off-road vehicles and the ones that are used in competitions. It is not the most powerful with its 2-barrel, but it will still deliver 350 Cfm.
It has a solid metal construction, meaning that it is a long-lasting and durable product. The carburetor also comes with a manual choke option that does a remarkable job of heating up the engine.
It also has excellent resistance against corrosion due to its manual choke option. The dichromate finish also makes it resistant to corrosion, which means it is one of the best options out there. The carburetor also aids in controlling the engine’s temperature.
The Holley 0-7448 also contains a blow-up protection feature for the power valve. The center-hung float bowl ensures smooth and steady fuel control. Additionally, the jets on this machine are also easily replaceable. One of the biggest advantages of this carburetor is that you can even use it in cold temperatures.
Pros:
- Durable
- 350 Cfm
- Manual choke
- Gold dichromate finish
Cons:
- Does not come with an electric choke
#3. Best for All Engine Types: Edelbrock 1405 Carburetor
- Brand: Edelbrock
- Exterior: Brushed
Edelbrock is a remarkable carburetor because it has a universal fitment component which makes it an ideal option for all Chevy models. It also provides optimized street performance.
Another remarkable feature that you will get with this carburetor is its marine performance. It has 4 barrels, which enables this product to deliver high-power functionality easily.
The Edelbrock’s parts are made up purely of metal which means the user does not have to worry about power valve explosion. Furthermore, it is made up of fine-quality silver material, which means it will deliver reliable functionality for a long time.
The carburetor contains both electric and manual choke options. Its high-strength material construction makes it possible to function for an extended period. It is suitable for all engine types, which makes it perfect for 350 Chevys.
What is cherry on the top with this carburetor is also comes with a 90-day warranty.
Pros:
- Marine performance
- 600 Cfm
- High-quality silver finish
Cons:
- Not compatible with motors requiring 2 barrel
#4. Best Functionality for a Manual Choke: Holley Classic Carburetor 4160
- Brand: Holley
- Exterior: Machined
The Holley Classic Carburetor 4160 is one of the most durable options on the list because you get an aluminum body which means it does not wrap. Its aluminum structure also helps reduce the weight of the carburetor to a minimum. Its manual choke system, however, does not make it a favorite among its users.
Regardless it is able to maintain the engine’s temperature. The Holley Classic Carburetor is also corrosion-resistant due to its gold dichromatic finish. It features a single feed inlet and also allows for an easy installation process.
Pros:
- 4-barrel carburetor
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Comes with a manual choke
#5. Best Price: Quick Fuel 600 Cfm 4 Bbl Elect. Choke
- Brand: Quick Fuel
- Exterior: Machined
With Quick Fuel, you get a carburetor that is ready for use right out of the box. It is very easy to fine-tune and requires just a few adjustments after being installed. The aluminum material makes the carburetor very lightweight. It also has a metering plate with changeable jets and is equipped with a secondary metering plate.
The carburetor is extremely easy to install and you don’t need to assemble anything. Just take it out of the box and install it. The installation process can be difficult, and if installed incorrectly, it may not run.
Pros:
- Doesn’t need spring replacements
- Not susceptible
Cons:
- Challenging to install
Things to Consider Before Buying a Carburetor for 350 Chevy
Material
An important factor to consider before purchasing a carburetor is its material. Aluminum, zinc, or silver are sturdy, high-quality materials that ensure excellent durability. It is best to avoid low-quality materials because they are quick to deteriorate and will not provide long-lasting services.
A good quality material carburetor will be resistant to corrosion, high temperature, and other factors. High-quality material will also mean that you will not have to pay for wear and tear and other replacement costs.
Choke Mechanism
Carburetors come with two types of mechanisms – manual and electric choke. Electric is easier to adjust since it does not provide any kind of control for fuel mixture or air. When it comes to a manual choke, you will have to work with a choke switch and choke cable. Most users prefer electric, but it is up to you.
Compatibility and Fuel Consumption
Higher-powered engines naturally consume more fuel thereby helping the carburetors increase the engine power. This is why it is important that you find the right carburetor for your vehicle. An incompatible carburetor will most likely consume too much fuel, which might get expensive down the road. It also means that an incompatible carburetor will not function properly.
Hardware Installation
While you are purchasing a carburetor you need to ensure that you have been provided with all the essential accessories for it. Some of these may include a gasket or studs for mounting. The pre-installed accessories and the pre-installed are a preference because they are easier to install than the ones that do not come with pre-installed accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a big carburetor a good option?
Carburetors have barrels that function as two large big holes. Big barrels mean that they don’t store air in the cylinders according to their full capacity. The air consequently moves very slowly.
This means an engine that has a big barrel does not function fast, as well as will it provide optimized power to horsepower and torque. Consequently, it will be pretty hard to drive.
How do I choose the perfect carburetor?
You need to ensure that the carburetor you select is compatible with your vehicle. For low performance and air intake, you have to opt for 2 barrel carb, and when it comes to high-power functionality, your best option is a 4-barrel carb.
It is also best to ensure that the carburetor is constructed with heavy-duty metal since that means a long-lasting life.
Conclusion
These are my top five picks for you. However, if you are still wondering which one is the best out of all five, I believe it is the Edelbrock 1406 Performer Secondary Electric Choke Carburettor. It is made up of aluminum, making it highly durable. It also has excellent corrosion resistance and is also super lightweight and very easy to install. However, you should also focus on the compatibility of your carburetor to get the most suitable one.
Tomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician that brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to the table. He’s also a father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles. Whether it’s troubleshooting engine problems or providing tips for maintenance, Thomas is committed to helping Chevy owners keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.
