The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Upgrading from 1 barrel to 2 barrel carb

I have what will probably be an eye roll question for some of you, I'm not a big gearhead though. I have a '66 C10 that has a 1975 nova 250ci motor with a single barrel Rochester carb. I would like to upgrade to a 2 barrel carb. Is this doable? When I look that motor up I don't even see an option for a 2 barrel carb. Will I be able to do a simple swap or will there be more involved than what I am thinking? I appreciate your input.

The burning question would be "WHY"? In order to take advantage of the extra airflow available from a bigger carburetor it's necessary to do a lot of expensive modifications to the rest of the intake/head/exhaust train. Putting one huge link into a flimsy chain doesn't improve the strength of the chain at all. You'll need to do a lot of modification to the ports in the head, install bigger valves, change the camshaft, and install a low-restriction exhaust system. In the process, you'll be building an engine that only runs well in RPM ranges that will bankrupt you in traffic court.

Have fun- - - -and I wish you a lot of luck- - - - -you'll need it!
Jerry

I think you have the "integrated head" engine. Google integrated head 250 chevy to find out more. I think you will find that upgrading to a 2 barrel would be a waste of time.

One learns by asking questions.

Sometimes one can learn much on the various forums by using the "search" function.

But to try to answer your question; it is my belief that to install a two barrel carb on that engine, you would have to swap to an older cylinder head, an aftermarket intake manifold, probably a different exhaust manifold, and the 2 barrel carburetor.

As Jerry (Hot Rod Lincoln) suggested above; after doing all of the above to an otherwise stock engine, you will have no discernable increase in power, and probably less fuel economy.

Enjoy the truck for what it is. If you want more power, swap to a larger engine, or one that is more amenable to modification.

Jon.

Well guys, thanks for your input. I have to refer back to my original post, I'm not a gearhead, I've never claimed to be and was just trying to get the info from the experts.

I did spend quite some time trying to locate information before I asked. I searched for keywords and phrases that I thought would provide the info I was looking for, unfortunately I wasn't aware at all of the "integrated head", but once I searched for that as Gord suggested I was able to find quite a bit of info.

I do appreciate your input and I received what I was looking for. I'll take your advice for sure and either rebuild the carb I have or purchase another and I'll enjoy the truck for what it is.