Golden Jubilee
Posts: 343
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:50 am
Loadstar carburetor general advice needed
here's where I really need some advise from everyone who has had experience with Holley carbs.
I was planning on rebuilding a Holley 2300 carb, IH part number 443269-C91, list number 4308-1. This is a non-emission carb made for an early '70's 304 pickup truck. I intended to install it in my 304 V8 Loadstar. It seems like a simple carb and I have read some books on Holley carbs so I understand their theory of operation from a performance point of view much better than I did a year or two ago.
However theory is not practical experience. My situation is this: I just came across a NOS Holley 2300 carb for sale, IH part number 442-159-C91. At the moment all I know is that it was made for a 345 with exhaust emissions. This carb is new old stock, not re-manufactured.
Being 40 plus years old I know I will need to replace gaskets and seals. And probably replace jets and power valve to make it work properly on my 304. But my thinking is this - mechanically it should be like new otherwise, correct?
And my question is what other changes are there between an exhaust emission carb and a non-exhaust emission carb? How are they different other than jets or power valve differences? Can this carb be tuned to work as well or better than the other carb and be even more dependable because its not worn out? Is there any problem anyone sees in tuning this carb to work really great on a 304 without exhaust emission considerations?
The only differences I see between the two per IH parts books is the throttle plate assembly is different, the jets, power valve, accelerator cam (and possibly the accelerator discharge valve assembly) is different - all interchangeable if necessary for tuning (except for the throttle plate).
So what are your thoughts on using this NOS emission 345 carb as opposed to rebuilding the other high-mileage, junk yard pulled non-emission 304 carb? Dependability and economy are my two most important goals.
Thank you, everyone for your advice.