Most automobile owners are familiar that their vehicles consist of a carburetor. However, they are not familiar with their exact function. A carburetor provides the mix of fuel and air to the engine. A constant supply of both of these aids the combustion process. Any irregularity in the supply will reduce the power and eventually shut down the engine.
One thing which is clear from this explanation is that carburetor is vital for the proper functioning of the automobile. Consequently, when looking for one, you need to choose the best carburetor rather than any substandard one. The question is, how?
Most consumers are not aware of the technical specifications of a carburetor. Things become more confusing when taken into account that not all carburetors are compatible with all vehicles. An incompatible carburetor can hamper the working of the engine and cause lasting damage.
These parameters make it clear that you have to choose the compitable one in the very first attempt. For example, if you have a 350 Chevy, you have to search for the best carburetor for a 350 Chevy.
We will solve this problem for you today. Our list below consists of the top carburetors of the market and also shed some light on their compatibility.
Edelbrock 1406 Performer stands at the top of our list.
Using this list and the buying guide below it, you can pick the right carburetor in a jiffy. There is no need to go through the technical jargon and specifications to choose one.
Without any further delay, let's look at the top 10 carburetors on offer.
Comparison Chart of Best Carburetors
image | name | CFM | Barrel | Choke | Rating | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Edelbrock 1406 Performer | 600 | 4 | Electric | ||
 | Holley HOL 0-4412S | 500 | 2 | Manual | ||
 | Briggs and Stratton | N/A | N/A | integrated | ||
 | KIPA Carburetor | N/A | N/A | Manual | ||
 | Holley 0-80457sa | 500 | 4 | Electric |
Our 10 Best Carburetor Review for Your Car
#1 Edelbrock 1406 Performer Carburetor 600 CFM
By now, you might know that the main job of the carburetor is to provide a constant supply of air and fuel to the engine. The carburetor which we are highlighting now goes a step further. It has a bottom feed design.
The bottom-feed design controls the flow rate of fuel efficiently. Coupled with the 4-barrel air valve system which it has, it can control both air and fuel precisely as per the vehicle's needs.
The shiny silver finish makes it aesthetically pleasing as well. It is compatible with most of the gasoline fuelled vehicles.
The primary Jet diameter of 0.098 inches controls the fuel further.
Are you wondering about its ability to accelerate the vehicle?
It has a venturi booster as well. The job of this booster is to increase the fuel supply during acceleration. Consequently, the acceleration process will take place smoothly and quickly, as well. The booster also helps to improve the driving experience.
The electric choke ensures that the airflow is restricted while starting the engine. When the airflow is restricted, the fuel-air mixture gets enriched. Such a blend provides the engine with high starting power, which it needs. The fact that it has an electric choke means that the mechanism is highly reliable.
The carburetor can support a flow rate of up to 600 CFM. The higher flow rate helps you in achieving high acceleration and running the vehicle the higher speeds.
Everything has been taken care of in this carburetor. The holistic set of features help it outscore other carburetors.
Features:
#2 Holley HOL 0-4412S Carburetor for 350 Chevy 500 CFM
Do you prefer a carburetor with a manual choke instead?
If yes, this one with a cable-driven design is the one which you should go with. The control which the cable provides helps you start the vehicle precisely without causing any damage to the vehicle.
The polished look makes it aesthetically pleasing.
Wondering about its performance during initial acceleration?
Especially for that situation, it is a 50 CC accelerator pump. The pump aims to supply additional fuel during such acceleration. With the extra fuel, the power which the engine generates is on the higher side. Acceleration will take place swiftly and smoothly due to the presence of this accelerator pump.
That's not all!
The carburetor has a blowout protection power valve on offer. In case the fuel supply increases significantly, this valve will protect the carburetor. You need not worry about any damage to the engine or carburetor due to this valve.
The all-metal housing makes it highly durable. Along with that, it is wet flow tested and calibrated, which speaks volumes about its reliability.
The 500 CFM flow rate and the accelerator pump make it powerful enough for acceleration during the initial start-up.
The highly durable construction, along with cable control choke, makes it one of the best carburetors for 350 Chevy.
Features:
#3 Proform 67302 Carburetor 750 CFM
How about a carburetor with a 750 CFM flow rate?
Yes, you read it right. This one does provide such a high flow rate. The advantage of a high flow rate is smooth acceleration. The response time of the engine also increases because of the high flow rate.
The throttle base plate helps you in controlling the fuel supply efficiently. The control happens in conjunction with the accelerator. You need not worry about tweaking any other thing for the same.
The billet metering blocks on offer increase its durability and allow you to control the mixture easily.
Do you prefer different aesthetics?
If yes, you would be happy to know that this carburetor has a Black Diamond finish.
The highlight, however, is the 750 CFM flow rate. That is why it is on our list.
Features:
#4 Edelbrock 1405 Performer Carburetor 600 CFM
The USP of this carburetor is that it has a single fuel inlet. For the uninformed, this might sound like just a normal thing to have. However, it has a significant impact on fuel mileage.
The single fuel inlet ensures the fuel supply is consistent. Additionally, it makes sure that the fuel supply is precisely controlled. Precision control reduces fuel consumption and increases mileage.
You get a secondary air valve that can mix the air and fuel very well. The mixture comes in handy during cold starts.
Are you thinking about its aesthetics?
It offers a shiny silver finish. The silver finish also protects it from wear and tear. It increases the life span of the carburetor.
If you have a gasoline automobile, this one is a good choice as it is gasoline compatible.
Many automobile owners prefer a manual choke to have complete control over the starting process. If you are one of them, this one provides that feature as well. The 4 barrel carburetor design ensures that when higher airflow is needed, that can be facilitated. The maximum flow rate which it can handle is 600 CFM.
Another unique feature of this carburetor is that if you want to make it work with an electric choke, you can do that. With all these features on offer, it is difficult to ignore this carburetor in favor of any other.
Features:
#5 Briggs and Stratton 594601 Carburetor
Many consumers might prefer a versatile but powerful carburetor. If you're one of them, this one will meet your requirements. The design is such that it is suitable for automobiles and various other machines.
The OEM standards ensure that quality is not an issue. Also, it meets EPA emission regulations. Once you install it, you have nothing to worry about violating any pollution regulations.
The design of the carburetor is such that it maximizes the engine's life. It does so by providing a stream of a blend of fuel and air. The fast response design facilitates easy volume change of the mixture. When that happens, the engine responses quickly as well.
Once you install this carburetor, you notice an improvement in the engine's response time, which makes it the best carburetor for 350 chevy vehicles.
When you look at the construction, it comes along with the gasket, making it easy to install. The integrated choke mechanism automatically restricts the air as and when needed. The choke mechanism helps you in the cold starting it easily.
The factory-calibrated design makes it easy for you to install. You will not need to adjust it. The installation will not take a lot of time either.
Buying this carburetor can certainly make things easier for you. The fact that it meets EPA guidelines and improves the engine life is sure to grab your attention.
Features:
#6 KIPA Carburetor For Ford
The USP of this carburetor is that it is compatible with most of the Ford vehicles from 1957 to 1965. If you have such an automobile, you can definitely go with this carburetor.
The fact that it works with a 6 cylinder engine speaks volumes about the efficiency which it provides. The carburetor can facilitate excellent acceleration. You will not experience any downgrading of performance when you're going with this one.
Are you wondering about its construction quality?
It consists of a zinc alloy. Along with that, you get a manual choke. The manual choke allows you to control it during the start precisely.
In the ideal mode as well, it makes your engine run better. Cold starts are no longer a problem either.
Another advantage of this carburetor is that it comes with stamped parts. Whether you look at the air horns, body, or the base, all of them are stamped. The stamped construction ensures that you can install it in no time.
The entire package consists of carburetor, mounting gasket, fuel filter, carbon dirt jet cleaner kit. The package takes care of not just installation but also future maintenance. That is why; it is an option worth buying.
At most, you would need minor adjustments during installation. Other than that, it has a direct bolt-on design. The gold-tone design makes the installation procedure easy and short.
Thus, if you have a Ford automobile of the make, which we discussed above, this carburetor is one that you cannot ignore.
Features:
#7 Edelbrock 1409 Performer Series Best Marine Carburetor 600 CFM
The next carburetor on our list is once again with a 600 CFM flow rate. The high flow rate makes hard acceleration possible. You will never feel the vehicle lacking in response due to this carburetor.
The optimum calibration reduces the need for any tweaks before installation. When you look at its construction, it consists of a single feed fuel inlet. The advantage of a single inlet is that controlling the fuel precisely is possible and easy. The single fuel inlet also increases the mileage significantly.
Many consumers prefer a carburetor that reduces the fuel consumption of automobiles. If you're one of them, this carburetor will meet your requirements.
The air valve of the secondary type controls the air precisely as well.
The construction of the carburetor is such that it is devoid of any plastic parts or power valves. Once you install it, it can last for years.
The gasoline calibrated design makes it easy to install. You also get a shiny silver finish, which is another advantage.
The electric choke mechanism provides a seamless start. You will not have to handle the choke manually. There is no cable for the same either.
The 3/8 inch inverted flare fuel design can easily extract a high amount of fuel when needed.
The accelerated pump seal helps it in getting the required amount of fuel. The pump also provides more than enough fuel during cold starts in certain explorations.
The casing consists of aluminum material. The aluminum material provides it with a dual advantage. Firstly, it makes the entire carburetor quite durable. Wear and tear won’t be an issue. Secondly, it makes the carburetor lightweight.
The lightweight design reduces the weight of the vehicle, which once again improves the mileage.
Another feature that might seem small at this time but can come to your rescue during installation is the two-piece construction. The two-piece construction makes it easy for you to change the metering rods and install the carburetor.
The carburetor uses the tub-type bowl and rear pivot floats. The advantage is that the wear and tear is minimal. Consequently, you need not worry about maintenance either.
With so many features on offer along with the accelerator pump, this is the top notch carburetor that you can find.
Features:
#8 Holley 0-80457sa Aluminum Carburetor 600 CFM
The USP of this carburetor can help you reduce your vehicle weight up to 5 lbs. The advantage of this feature is visible when it comes to mileage. You not only gain the advantage of a new carburetor by going with this one, but also you can improve the mileage significantly of your vehicle
The reason why it can help you save weight is because of its aluminum construction. The aluminum material is very tough. You will not have to deal with wear and tear. An additional advantage of the aluminum material is its lightweight. Besides that, it can handle any weather conditions, which is another reason to go for this carburetor.
The 600 CFM flow rate comes in handy while accelerating and starting the automobile. When you’re behind the wheel, the high flow rate ensures that the response is quick and precise.
The electric choke automates the mixing of air and fuel at the start. You won’t have to operate the choke manually.
The precise calibration for the gasoline fuel makes it comfortable most Ford automobiles.
The already calibrated design ensures that the installation is easy. You get gaskets, studs, as well as a choke wire for the electric choke. All the hardware that you need for installation comes along with it.
Moreover, it is a universal carburetor which increases its compatibility.
The weight saving is the primary reason why this is one of the best carburetors on offer.
Features:
#9 New Two 2 Barrel Carburetor for Ford
The next carburetor on our list once again comes with an electric choke. The electric choke makes it convenient to use.
The metal construction ensures high durability. You need not worry about replacement or maintenance once you go with this metal carburetor.
The gasket and the seal which you get along with it make it easy to install.
If you’re looking for a carburetor that is compatible with most of the Ford models from 1968 to 1979, it is an excellent choice. It is compatible with some of the Jeeps and Mercury Comet models as well.
The flow rate of 500 CFM does not disappoint. It can provide more than adequate fuel and air mixture. Starting your automobile or accelerating it hard will not lead to downgraded performance.
With little to no tweaks required, the installation will be a breeze. The compatibility with older Ford models, Jeep, and Mercury Comet, makes this carburetor a reliable option.
Features:
#10 Ford 8N 9N 2N Carburetor
The highlight of this carburetor is that it is compatible with models like Ford TSX241A, TSX33, 9N, 8N. It can work with flathead engines manufactured from 1939 to 1952. There is hardly any other carburetor that can work with the same.
You get the OEM kits, and parts facilitate easy installation. You get a gasket along with it, which aids the installation process. The mounting studs also help you install the carburetor in no time.
The metal construction of the carburetor increases its lifespan. The gasoline calibrated design eliminates the need for any tweaks.
The low weight can certainly help you add to the mileage. Thus, with these features on offer, it becomes complicated to find a carburetor compatible with these vehicles and offers better features.
Features:
When you’re looking for the perfect carburetors, my list above is what you should consider. We have gone through the technical specifications and other features of these carburetors and more to compile this list of top 10 options.
We understand that it might not be easy for you to choose between these top carburetors. To help you out, we will share a buying guide below, which can make this decision easier for you.
Carburetor Buying Guide
The parameters which you should keep in mind while comparing the carburetors include:
Construction quality
The carburetor is a part with a lot of moving parts. If the carburetor's construction quality isn’t up to the mark, the wear and tear will be expensive. In that case, you would have to look for a replacement quite soon. Instead, it is better to choose a carburetor with metal construction.
The metal casing can protect it from the weather outside. The metal casing can handle extensive wear and tear. Consequently, you need not replace such a carburetor anytime soon. It is an essential factor to consider while choosing one.
Compatibility
A carburetor will be of no use if it is not compatible with your automobile. You have to look at the model and make of your automobile and then choose the carburetor. It might have the best features on offer, but if it is not compatible with your automobile, there is no use in going with such a carburetor.
Installation hardware
Does the carburetor come along with the gasket?
Does it come with mounting studs as well?
You have to find answers to these questions before choosing a carburetor. The more the number of installation accessories it comes with, the better it would be for you. You have to choose one which comes pre-calibrated. The pre-calibrated design makes it easy to install the carburetor. The inclusion of the installation hardware is one of the factors to consider while buying a carburetor.
Choke mechanism
The carburetor consists of an electric choke or a manual one. The electric choke makes it seamless to operate. However, it does not provide you with any control over the air and fuel mixture.
If you’re very particular about pickup and cold start, you should choose a carburetor with a manual choke. In that case, however, you would have to operate it with the choke switch and the choke cable.
You have to decide which one you prefer between these two options and choose the carburetor accordingly.
Final Thought
Comparing the above ten carburetors on these four parameters will help you pick the right one.
As you can see, instead of going through all the jargon, you need to refer to our top 10 carburetors list. Once you do so, picking the right carburetor for your vehicle will be easy. The carburetor controls quite a few vital functions of the vehicle, and therefore choosing one carefully is a necessity. Our hours of research, along with a buying guide, will quickly help you buy the perfect carburetor for your automobile.
Suggested reading: best led bulbs for cars
Frequently Asked Questions about Carburetors
What does CFM mean on a carburetor?
CFM on a carburetor stands for cubic feet per minute. The size of a Carburetor is determined by how much air it can flow per minute. However, cfm has nothing to do with fuel.
How do I know what CFM carb I need?
If you want to know what CFM carb you need, you can calculate the number yourself. You need to gather the following information first-
Your engine's:
- Volumetric Efficiency (VE),
- Displacement (in c.i.d.), and
- Maximum RPM.
Now do a little math by placing the numbers in the following formula:
CFM = (c.i.d. x RPM x VE) / 3,456
What is a 600 CFM carburetor?
A 600 CFM carburetor is the one that can flow 600 cubic of feet air per minute. It combines gasoline and air creating a highly combustible mixture that can handle the rigors of daily driving.
Is 600 CFM carb big enough?
The answer to this question depends on multiple variables like vacuum or mechanical secondaries, single or double-pumper, choke or no choke, swappable air bleeds or fixed carburetor. A 600 CFM carburetor may perform quite satisfactorily on a stock 350 Chevy.
However, as soon as you start fusing in power adders like a hotter cam, a dual-plane performance intake manifold, you're going to need 700-750 cfm carb. For a better clarification, you can take a general V-8 engine and put a 650 double pumper carb on it.
It will drive OK but will probably give a shitty performance with a horrible gas mileage. You'd be much better off with a 750 vacuum secondary carb instead.
How much horsepower will a 650 CFM carb support?
A 650 CFM carb will support about 470.4 Horse Power.
What size carburetor do I need for a 350?
If you are driving a 327 or 350 engine street just for pleasure, the 650 CFM carb will give the best all-around performance, outstanding throttle response, exceptional fuel mileage, great low and mid-range performance.
What size carb do I need for a 454?
You will need a 950 CFM carb for a 454 engine. It will ensure a brilliant performance with a smooth gas mileage.
What size carburetor do I need for a 440?
The 850 CFM carb will be the best fit for your 440. However, 750 CFM carb may also work on your engine.
What happens if carburetor is too big?
At wide-open throttle, the carburetor barrels are big holes within the intake. Larger barrels mean that the incoming air doesn't need to move as quickly. If the barrels are too big, the loss of air velocity means the cylinder won't fill to its full capacity.
An engine with a carburetor that's too big will put out less Torque and Horsepower. It'll be difficult to drive due to poor low-end torque. If you drag race your car, an oversized carb will produce slow 60 ft. times.
If the carburetor is "too big" then the engine won't be ready to keep enough airflow through the barrels for fuel delivery to occur. which might explain why the engine would work on highway speeds but struggles at low RPMs.
Does a bigger carburetor mean more power?
The answer to this question will be “No”. We hear from people that more air and fuel can produce more power. But does that necessarily mean the bigger carburetor always makes more power? Unfortunately, too much carb is the most common mistake made by people that can actually decrease the overall performance of your engine.
The right idea would be to match the carburetor to the engine's volumetric potential. The engine's volumetric efficiency is a measurable value and with a correctly matched carburetor, you will improve the performance of your engine.
What's the difference between a marine carburetor and a regular carburetor?
The main difference lies in the bowl vent tube style. The marine carb has a “J” shaped vent tube but the auto carb has a straight “I” shaped vent.
In case of a float system malfunction in a boat, the fuel is forced through the carb and is directed back into the carburetor. If the same malfunction is encountered when an automotive carb is placed on a boat, the fuel will run down the side of the carb. It will end up in the bilge, resulting in a great fire incident and/or explosion.
We suggest if you have an automotive carb, DO NOT operate your boat until you replace it with a marine carb.
What is a 4 barrel carburetor?
A carburetor consisting of two primary and two secondary barrels is called a 4 barrel carburetor. The primary barrels open during the idle and low-rpm driving. The throttle blades on the secondary barrels stay closed at that time.
As rpm increases, the engine needs more air and fuel to make power, and this is when the secondary barrels kick in. When the secondary barrels begin to open, more air travels through the carburetor, supplying the engine with its required air and fuel.
Leave a Reply