Holly vs. Elderbrock

[ford guru]

holley makes more power but requires more tuning -the edelbrock is trouble
free and works well too.

[Cadiver]

This December I am going to replace the carb on my 65 Stang, and I need a
little advice. Which is better Holly or Elderbrock, I have heard Holly is
better performance, and Elderbrock is better gas mileage and more dependable?
But I would like to get everyone's opinion, and could you also tell me what
models and about how much they cost.
Thanks much,
Justin
1965 Mustang 289

[Phil]

Hey Justin,

I went with the holley and am pleased. If you really want to help that
new carb, consider an intake manifold swap at the same time. An
aluminum intake will shave around 25 pounds off, and really help your
power.

I've got pictures and specs of mine at my little homepage.

www.blueriver.net/~finite/Pony.htm

Check it out, if you'd like.

Phil
'65 convertible

[Edward S. Clark IV]

It has been a few years and this is only my opinion. The Holley is the only real way
to go. Tune-ability for just about any application (range and ease) and the
performance are the biggest factors. Never had much of a reliability problem with
them either. Any problems I did have had to do more with the quality of the
installation. (my fault). Holley sells some books on how to tune their carbs. Get
one and read it. You'll then be on your way. I have had good luck in the past using
Edelbrock cams, lifters, manifolds, and timing sets, but it always had a holley carb
on it.

On thing that I do see quite often with carbs is small air filters, foam air filters,
or even no air filter at all. First, the air filter must be large enough to flow all
of the needed air without un-needed restrictions, and if the carb has vacuum
secondaries an incorrect air filter will prevent proper operation of the
secondaries. I saw a really sharp looking mid 70's Camaro the other day with dual
Holleys on a tunnel ram. Looked great except for the two 1 inch tall 6 inch diameter
air cleaners on it. I'm not saying it's not strong but I'll bet it could do better
with a better cleaner setup. Sorry to ramble on about air cleaners but it is a sore
spot of mine for many years. Why put all sorts of money into improving airflow then
capping it off for the sake of appearance?

BTW, Edelbrock has been guilty in the past of putting out crappy air cleaners based
on appearance!

Ed Clark