I bought a 68 cutlass convrt. for my son. it was supposedly a matching # 350 4bbl., th400 floor shift auto, 3:08 limited slip 12 bolt. after more investigation, the block #'s match, but I believe it was a 2 bbl with the jet-a-way trans from the factory.
it now has a Holley 1850-4 (late model 600 cfm model 4160 in classic gold finish, manual choke and vacuum secondaries) and eldebrock SP-2P OLDS manifold.
from what I've heard the SP-2P is not too good.
I was thinking about upgraded it to a Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold..#7111. i was also thinking about switching the carb. would you recommend rebuilding the Holley (think there is a problem with the back barrels), go with a q-jet (figured it would be better on gas) or the Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor (750 cfm) or sometime else? also should I go with a manual or electric choke?
I was really looking at a Barry Grant road demon or the jr. in a 625 or 725. (about $300)
I'm really going for drivability and maybe better mileage over strictly better performance.
it has engine block # 395558 2 with a smaller 50 7735 under it, # 5 heads and dual I i was planning on installing a small body hei distributor, but the guy who makes them never got back with me so now I'm thinking about one from summit SUM-850006 ($190) or Jeg's 778-66955 ($177). both are supposedly high performance 50,000 volt models.
my budget is pretty limited so I thought about just the hei first.
he just got his license, so I'm not sure if I should help him hot rod it before or after he wrecks it the first time (hope that's just a joke).
any suggestions or thoughts?
sorry for being so long winded.
thanks, mike brown

id say stick that RPM intake and a road deman 625 cfm carb im guessing the motor is still pretty stock.... just look around in those mags and look for a good HEI graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/beers.gif

Used HEI distributors are easy to find and cheap, I'd keep the 1850 on for now just rebuild it, and also go with the rpm intake.

I agree with badbob, except I might opt for the automatic choke replacement kit to go with the rebuild.

Mike,I have a 68 Cutlass convertible myself..all stock and original (other than the HEI) and its a 2 bbl. motor with a 2 speed..anyway,the RPM is a good choice and I would stick with the 600 cfm Holley,thats all you'll ever need with that set up.Maybe true duals or headers too,but thats about it.Even my car stock with the 2bbl/2 speed/single exhaust runs out well.

I like my demon jr.