When I get home from Iraq next month I want to change out the original (incredibly true) 2bbl carb and intake on my 86 Dodge W150 as I plan to do alot more towing with it.

Before I left I picked up a rebuild Holley 450 Economister, a factory 360 4bbl iron intake and a Edelbrock Performer. I also have a Holley 1850-C that I can rebuild.

I will be using my truck to pull my 78 Trans Am bracket car to the strip (50 miles each way) and she suffers pulling that load up and down the hills of central Colorado.

The truck is bone stock minus dual exhaust from the original manifolds. I'm thinking the Economister on the factory intake would be the best BUT the hotrodder in me is awfully tempted to put the 600 on it (with electric choke) with the Performer. The Economister is a Mopar version. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
John

 

I have an '81 W150 with a 318 and the stock 2 barrel carb. I've been using it to pull cars, trucks, and vans that I buy to fix up. Doesn't seem to matter what I pull I always get around 7-8mpg. At that rate I've been tempted to put a 600 Edelbrock on that I have but don't have an intake yet. I'd say if you get similar mileage then it wouldn't matter much which carb you go with.

I did rebuild my carb but it is pretty worn and was really rusty inside so that might be part of my problem. Engine is tired too.

Derek

 

I would suggest the edelbrock and a vacuum secondary carb for the best of both worlds.

 

I just picked up a Holley 450 vac. THis should be about right for my stocklittle 318. I'll mate it with the Performer and we'll see what happens.