POLL: Which is your favorite carb(s) of choice?
They aren't the same. Internal passages etc. have been changed from the original Carter design. They are the same as much as Demon/BG's are the same as Holleys.
Absolutely not!
The changes to the Edelbrock carbs are small and the contrast to the verity of Holley carbs and Holley based carbs numbers 10 fold over the basic OEM design of the Carter/Edelbrock.
If you want to truly compare a Edelbrock vs. a Holley, the Carter/Edelbrock is a limited choice with only 1 racing AFB/AVS style design of the 3 bbl. design and 1 TQ. The 3bbl. Is based and not majorly changed from the OEM design save the mod of the rear barrels into a singular oval passage.
The TQ was designed from the onset as a race carb modified to a production carb.
There has been no development of the OEM design AFB, AVS carb since the only trick built, purpose built 3bbl. for NASCAR. (FYI Holley had a 3bbl. as well)
Holley on the other hand has stock production carbs like the 4150 & 4160 carbs which best directly compare with the Carters. And the Street Avengers compare directly best with the Edelbrock carbs made today. All other Holley 4 bbl. carbs and the after market Holley's that have removed themselves from the basic design of the OEM ste are more focused on racing & high performance. These style carbs are better for an intended purpose. Racing. These carbs do not (in my opinion) directly compare to the OEM carb, Holley, Carter or Rochester.
While a OEM type carb can perform well on a race track, there performance is a limiting factor. Since I myself do not race a track and spend more time in the street, this style of carb is used and is seen more common then other style of carbs from Holley or the aftermarket copy cats and modified Holley style carbs.
I like thermoquads, they are difficult to learn, but are an excellent unit to use.
This ^^^^^^^^^^
Why? I'm in the street mostly. A flexible carb in many ways that performs! While the Holley is much more tuneable, the TQ as well as the AVS/AFB do REALLY good jobs. Often a TQ, AVS or an AFB can be found & rebuilt very inexpensive. From a cost stand point, it's hard to turn down a big TQ.
