I have a '74 Charger, 440 auto, and I want to replace the Thermoquad with a different carb that will directly fit without spacers or adapters.
Is there such a thing?
I know that the TQ is a good carb...I am just sick and tired of fighting with this one.
Can someone help me out please?

g-man

 

The only "direct replacement" would be another TQ, find yourself a GOOD rebuilder and you will fall in love with him and the TQ. They are awesome pieces if they are set up and tuned properly. If you cannot get it to work properly have it checked for a warped body ( they don't like overheated motors too much.)

 

Well, that's not quite true. First it depends on your definition of "direct replacement."

It must bolt on of course

Does it have to meet any smog requirements?

Can there be minor differences in linkage, etc?

First, for certain years and models, Some Chryslers were equipped with Quadrajets, so somewhere......

Holley made their "Spreadbore" series as "direct" replacement for QJ and TQ carbs, so those "may" be considered "direct."

 

The way I read the post was that he is looking for a bolt on and go replacement, and doesn't want the hassle of dealing with changing linkage or adding a spacer. To go to an aftermarket unit would require some modifications, also to go to an AVS which was used on many pre '71 v8's would require different throttle and kickdown linkage for A/T. Yes there are replacement carbs available, but not a true direct replacement. So I guess we could both be right or wrong depending on the extent that he is willing to go to be rid of the TQ. PS if you find a replacement and want to toss the TQ, send it to me, I love those things!

 

No, you misread what I posted. Holley DID MAKE some "bolt on" direct replacement spread bore carbs. I don't know if they still do or not. These should have the stock throttle, choke, etc hookups I actually went to the Holley site and I simply cannot deal with their idea of online catalogue. What I was trying to look up was a stree/ emmission spread bore replacement

 

test.

 

Thanks for responding guys,
I sent the TQ that I have to supposedly one of the best TQ guys in the country.
6 months later, it looked pretty, and it does run, but it does not run right, or consistently.
If there is a problem with the body (cracked or warped), then what do you do?
I have not found anyone that makes new ones??
I prefer the spreadbore carb for a street only car and I do not want to change out the manifold (prefer the stock intake).
Some modifications of the linkage is okay, and if I have to use a small spacer I will only if I have to. An adapter I guess is okay as long as I'm adapting another spreadbore.
I called Edelbrock: they used to make a TQ replacement. They said sales were too slow so they dropped it about 2 years ago. None left on their shelves.
I called Holley: They currently make no spreadbore carbs.
Holley used to make a spreadbore in their 40XX series carbs. They sold the rights to Summit Racing which Summit's in-house carb. However they dropped the spreadbore from the line.
So is my only possibility going to be a QuadraJet (aka QuadraJunk).
Will that even bolt on?? I have no experience with that carb. Never even seen one close up.
Any ideas or suggestions gentlemen?
Thanks,
g-man

 

Any help guys??
I could really use some advice here.
This thing is my current daily driver and it is driving me crazy.
Also putting me in the poor house. I think it might be dumping the fuel down the primaries. It sure seems like it anyway.
Thanks,

g-man

 

g, my only suggestion would be to buy another TQ, as i went through the same thing on my daily driver... I found one on e-bay (got it for 25 bux plus 12 for shipping) and re-built it myself. I had NEVER had any dealings with TQ's, I am actually a holley guy, but with limited choices out there for replacements I did what I though made the most sense. Kits are readily avail from your favorite parts house and just dive in as i did... Methodical tear-down, cleaning with carb cleaner (just dont use it on the bowl) and follow instructions in kit for reassy. I was really sweating it when i started but 3 hours later i was bolting it on, starting car, and have not so much as had to turn a screw on it after initial idle speed adj. Dont be intimidated by all the parts, its really not rocket science, and it is something you can do. Just make sure it is CLEAN!!! As to your actual problem with "dumping" fuel sounds like it has a touch of trash in the circuits... Cant really diagnose tho without more info...(ie: reading plugs, symptoms, etc) Keep posting buddy we may get you thru your crisis yet

 

I vote for the Q jet. There is much more support for them (parts etc.). They are way easier to tune. If there were a vast supplier of TQ parts it would be a viable carb.
Just find a Q-jet off a 85-89 dodge van, 3/4-1 ton with a 360. It is non electronic (most of em"). It will have the mopar linkage. You will have to reroute the fuel line just a little.
*I specialize in rebuilding carbs on the side* And especially the Q-jets. I guess I am kinda biased towards them. The TQ's can be made to work, it just takes longer. JMHO.

 

You can use a Holley 650 double pumper. It is of the spread bore design. You stated that Holley no longer makes them. You can pick them up off of ebay all day long. Easy to rebuild. Other than that I would either find another Thermoquad or adapt it to something else. What intake manifold are you using? Alot of the edelbrock manifolds can accept either a spread bore or standard bore carburetor.

I know the Q-jet is a good carburetor but I just dont care for them. Just feels like I am putting GM parts on my Mopar. I know they did use them on a few years on 360s.

 

Hi,
the only spread bore Holley offers is a replamcement for Rochester QJ
it is part # 0-80555c for a vacuum sec. with elect choke
or 0-6210 dbl pump with a divorced choke, both are 650 CFM
but they do not have a universal throttle arm, the throttle arm is for GM only
they would bolt to your Intake and run your engine as long as you could rig the linkage
other than that
Holley can do a restoration on your TQ
for $426.00 with a 1 year warranty
it takes 4 to 5 weeks to get it back
you can call Holley @ 866-464-6553 and get opt # 4 for the Custom Shop
One other option would be, get a square flange Holley carb. and an adapter part # 17-6 to adapt it to your spread bore intake from Holley
Thanks

 

Having spent 25 years in the aftermarket parts industry. I found that the Thermo Quad had by far the highest rate of defects of any rebuilt carb we sold. Quite often it took 3 or 4 to get a good one. Once you have a good one they are excellent carbs.

 

must not of been Holley remans
All Holley remans are 100 % flow tested
Thanks

 

I have sold Holleys(thru S.W.I) as well as other brands(Such as Tomco) that claimed flow testing of all carbs. I also realize alot of people try to fix another problem with a carberator. When it came to TQ carbs we pretty much new when we sold one the customer would be back for at least a second one. Not always but more often then not. Personally I love Holley carbs and would take one anyday over a Carter/EBrk.

 

A lot of people think even if their car and engine is completely wore out a new carb will fix it
when in reality there a lot of other problems that a carb can not fix
but if you only have carb problems
a Holley reman is 100% flow tested and will work like new
Thanks