Throwback Thursday: Rebuilding The Quadrajet Carburetor

The Quadrajet four-barrel has been feeding both big and small-block engines since the early ‘60s. However, few really understand how they work and what to do when rebuilding one. For that reason, I thought we would focus this week’s Throwback Thursday on the venerable Q-jet. That’s why I thought Rebuilding The Quadrajet Carburetor. Yes, They Are Worth It would be a great article for this week’s Throwback article.

When it comes to Chevrolet’s vacuum-operated fuel squirters, there are two distinct camps: Those that praise the Rochester Quadrajet, and those that loath it. Whatever your perception, there is no denying that to Chevrolet enthusiasts, the Q-jet is the least understood carburetor placed on muscle cars and trucks.

quadrajet

When each carburetor reaches Jet Performance, it is inspected and assembled by one technician. Before any work can begin, the unit being rebuilt gets a thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure all parts are usable.

Well into the late ’80s, a countless number of GM vehicles left the factory with the Quadrajet mounted to the intake. Those car owners that loathed it, yanked it from the engine and replaced it with something else. Their common — and usually unceremonious — removal, means they are still plentiful at almost any swap meet. Those that understand and appreciate the carburetor, also feel it is a very desirable and tunable, four-barrel fuel squirter. Sure, it has more moving parts than any other carburetor, but that just lends validity to its adjustability.

In the original article, we talked to the folks at Jet Performance about the company’s rebuilding process. “We have various ‘stages’ of rebuilds,” says Russell Wood of Jet Performance. “Stages 1, 2, and 3 vary in the applications they are intended to be used. Generally speaking, a Stage 1 rebuild is for stock or very mild performance applications. Stage 2 is intended for a vehicle with an aftermarket intake manifold, headers, ignition, and/or a performance-camshaft upgrade. Stage 3 is designed for serious street and strip, and race applications. We even have circle track applications. All carburetors that are sent to us, are calibrated for the specific application and use.”

quadrajet

There’s a lot more in-depth information in the original article about getting your carburetor rebuilt, so what are you waiting for? For that reason, I selected, Rebuilding The Quadrajet Carburetor. Yes, They Are Worth It as this week’s Throwback Thursday showcase article.

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About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
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