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Electric vs. manual carb?

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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 5:34amMessage 1 of 7
c
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Edgewood, KY - USA
Joined: 10/26/2003
Posts: 339
Vette(s): 1981, Black/Black, Engine bumped to about 400HP.Ext/int mostly stock.

Along with rebuilding the L-81, I am considering  replacing the factory carb and distributor with pre-computer versions that are more tuneable to support the stronger engine.  Never bought a new carb, so can anyone tell me the difference in how the "electric" and "manual" chokes work?  Does the manual choke activate by a thermal coil and pushing the accelerator all the way to the floor and releasing, the same as factory?  What activate the electric?  Any other advise?  

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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 6:23amMessage 2 of 7
C
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Joined: 6/11/2003
Posts: 208
Vette(s): 1977 L48 Slightly Tweaked
I have an electric choke on my car, and it works the way you described.  The only issue I have with it is this:  after the car warms up if you stop and shut down, the choke coil cools way faster than the engine, so when you restart it runs way rich.  Something to consider.
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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 8:09amMessage 3 of 7
d
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible

A true manual choke is the variety with the cable run to inside the car somewhere, you can hide it under the dash so it's less noticeable. I'm putting one on an old Rustang I've been playing with.

I agree with Contrail, sometimes the electric types can be a little tempermental.

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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 9:16amMessage 4 of 7
c
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Edgewood, KY - USA
Joined: 10/26/2003
Posts: 339
Vette(s): 1981, Black/Black, Engine bumped to about 400HP.Ext/int mostly stock.
So it sounds like to me that none of the aftermarket chokes work like the factory choke, where it is activated (if cold enough) by pressing and releasing the accellerator.  Is that right?  I am looking at probably the 600CFM Edelbrock...
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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 5:57pmMessage 5 of 7
C
Former Member
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Joined: 6/11/2003
Posts: 208
Vette(s): 1977 L48 Slightly Tweaked
No, they are activated the same way, they just cool down too fast.  The thermal chokes on the Q-Jets relied on air temp from the heat passage in the intake manifold and they worked better in my opinion.
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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 6:35pmMessage 6 of 7
a
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sonoma, CA - USA
Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784
Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
I've also heard that some people have had issues with the stock air cleaner clearing the choke assy.
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Electric vs. manual carb?

Posted: 11/10/05 8:25pmMessage 7 of 7
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

I have installed several aftermarket electric choke conversions.  Including one on my C3.  While I have seen the cool down problem, I have not had the problem.  My guess is either the choke coil is set too tight, or I have bought a better kit then some others.  I have bought the kits I use at NAPA.   You could also adapt a factory electric choke coil to a aftermarket kit.  That would solve the problem. 

Properly done, I prefer the electric.  Nothing wrong with mechanical or manual.

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