A few years ago, I improved my ’87 El Camino’s breathing with the following mods: Replaced exhaust manifolds with headers
Replaced single exhaust with dual exhausts
Removed catalytic converter
Replaced single muffler with two low-restriction mufflers
Removed AIR and EGR systems
Otherwise, it’s a stock 305 cu. in. (5.0 l) LG4 engine with a 4 bbl. Rochester Quadrajet (E4ME) carb.

The results were threefold: markedly improved power, better economy (higher efficiency) and a sweeter sound.

These past months, however, I’ve been having increasingly erratic engine running. I know that my carb is leaky, and badly needs a new gasket set. What I’m wondering is whether repairing my carb would be cost-efficient, or whether I should go one step further and improve my engine’s intake this time around, with a new carb and intake manifold. My local parts shop quoted me a reasonable price for an Edelbrock manifold and replacement carb set. Will I gain any performance/economy/driveability/reliability by going the replacement route (and would a manifold & carb set be enough, or would I get little benefit without a new camshaft, too)?
Will a replacement set, such as Edelbrock’s, fit all existing systems painlessly (throttle linkage, cruise control, etc.)?
Apart from gaskets, what other parts should I count on needing?
Any good alternatives to Edelbrock parts (Holley, Rochester, …) I should consider?
Or would I be better off just repairing my (aging) original carb, where the only expenses will be for the gasket kit plus labor? My car is a daily (summer) commuter, see it at http://elcamino.paulnielsen.com.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

If you have already de-smogged it go with an edelbrock intake and carb not that expensive good performance and the carb is damn near bullet proof. (at least compared to smograjet)

As long as you don't have concerns about emission controls I would replace the stock carb/manifold with an aluminum dual plane manifold and vacumn secondary carb of no more than 600-650 cfm. It will increase performance, driveability and probably fuel economy. Most Holleys or Edelbrocks are a direct replacement with minor mods to fuel inlet, linkages/cable and choke. My personal recommendation is a Edelbrock Performer intake and a Holley 575 cfm Street Avenger.

should go one step further and improve my engine’s intake this time around, with a new carb and intake manifold.http://elcaminocentral.com/users/87ss/xyxthumbs.gif

should go one step further and improve my engine’s intake this time around, with a new carb and intake manifold.http://elcaminocentral.com/users/87ss/xyxthumbs.gif Remember you will have to get a non computer Hei dist. too. My choice is a Edelbrock Performer intake & 1406 carb.