A carburetor is the heart of your vehicle’s engine that mixes air with liquid fuel for combustion. A bigger cfm provides better air flow and throttle response. Choosing the best carburetor for 400 small blocks is quite difficult as it has several factors of calculating the cfm rate. We have done the job for you and made a top 6 list of the best carburetors for your Chevy 400 engine.
A 600 cfm Holley carb on a 400 small block gives you great performance from idle to about 5000 rpm, and You can increase up to 6000 rpm, but if you upgrade or add more horsepower then it will be better with high power and larger carb, up to 700 cm.
Table of Contents
6 Best Carburetor for Small Block 400
- Top Pick: Edelbrock 1406 Performer 600 CFM
- Edelbrock 1906 Carburetor
- Holley – 0-1850S Classic Carburetor
- Edelbrock 1411 4-Barrel Carburetor
- Proform 67255 Carburetor
- Holley 0-80508SA Carburetor
| IMAGE | NAME & Details | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Edelbrock 1406 Performer 600 CFM |
| Check Price |
  | Edelbrock 1906 Carburetor |
| Check Price |
  | Holley - 0-1850S Classic Carburetor |
| Check Price |
  | Edelbrock 1411 4-Barrel Carburetor |
| Check Price |
  | Proform 67255 Carburetor |
| Check Price |
  | Holley 0-80508SA Carburetor |
| Check Price |
6 Best Carburetor for Small Block 400 Review in 2022
1. Edelbrock 1406 Performer 600 CFM
Edelbrock 1406 performer 600 CFM is one of the best carburetors from Edelbrock. It is the fittest carburetor for 400 small blocks that is precisely tuned to deliver consistent, reliable street performance. The secondary air valve of the carburetor comes with a single feed fuel inlet and new Edelbrock 1406 parts.
The Edelbrock small block provides smoother acceleration and better drivability with its 4-barrel electric choke. Besides, many users in their Edelbrock 1406 review have mentioned the silver finishing that keeps it away from corrosion. And most interestingly it is covered with a 90-day long warranty from the manufacturer.
Features and description:
Construction quality: The Edelbrock 1406 is constructed with aluminium. It is designed with a two-piece body that resists warping.
Carburetor flange: The square bore flange gives the ultimate performance to the engine. It provides a smooth passage for the air and the fuel mixture to flow into the intake valve.
Compatibility: This Edelbrock 1406 tuning with almost all the cars and SUVs with 400 small blocks as well as 350 and 440 is a great plus point. GMC and Corvette are highly recommended to use this model of Edelbrock carburetor.
Installation hardware: The Edelbrock 1406 install is a quick process asit comes with all the installation hardware along with gasket, mounting studs and the Edelbrock 1406 manual.
Carburetor sizing: The 1406 carburetor has a 0.098-inch primary main jet and a 0.097-inch secondary main jet. The metering rod measures are 0.075 by 0.047 inches. The needles and seat measurements are 0.0935 inches, while float height measurement is 0.435 inches.
Choke Details: The Edelbrock 1406 electric choke comes with a 4-barrel that contains two primary and two secondary barrels.
Specialty of the carburetor: It is designed and calibrated for good street performance for the 400 small block engine.
Key Features:
- Choke: 4-barrel electric choke
- Compatibility: Compatible with gasoline fuelled vehicles.
- Warranty: 90 day
Pros:
- It is beginner-friendly as it’s easy to install,
- Best for street performance.
- Provide efficient performance both in lighter vehicles and big ones.
- Better at cold starting.
Cons:
- It is not recommended for torker II intake manifolds and RPM
2. Edelbrock 1906 Carburetor
The Edelbrock 1906 designed for optimum street performance in a wide variety of cars and minivans. It is specially designed for saving your fuel with its annular primary boosters. Not only that, but it also provides a smooth throttle performance in your journey.
The best feature of the Edelbrock 1906 is, it comes with both manual and electric choke. You can buy one with your convenience and comfort. For your hassle free installation, it comes with a tutorial DVD.
Features and description:
Construction qualities: The Edelbrock 1906 is constructed with premium grade aluminum. The satin-finished carburetor ensures the maximum durability and longevity.
Carburetor flange: This carburetor flange type is a square bore. The square bore flange connects the carburetor and the opening on the cylinder head making the Edelbrock 1906 tuning effortless.
Compatibility: It is one of the best carburetors for the SBC 400. Besides, it is compatible with 350 engines too.
Installation hardware: The Edelbrock 1906 comes with all the necessary installation hardware. It comes with a gasket, mounting stud and an Edelbrock 1906 manual for easy and quick installation.
Choke details: An efficient electric choke is used in this Carburetor. The 4-barrel carb has two primary and two secondary barrels.
The specialty of this Carburetor: This Edelbrock 1906 provides improved off idle and cruising performance. This Carburetor can eliminate flat spots that may be encountered when the carburetor transitions from idle to full throttle by fuel atomization.
Carburetor sizing: The 1906 carburetor has a 0.101-inch main jet and 0.098-inch secondary main jet. The metering Rods measures are – 0.070 x 0.037 inches.
Quick features:
- Fuel economy: It improves fuel economy
- Performance: Best street performance
- Throttle: Smooth throttle performance
- Choke: Electrical or manual both
Pros:
- It provides improved off idle and cruising performance.
- This Carburetor delivers better fuel economy.
- It delivers really smooth throttle response
Cons:
- A little pricey compared to Edelbrock 1906 vs 1406.
3. Holley – 0-1850S Classic Carburetor
From a 100 years old company with a reputation of being trustworthy towards its buyers, we bring you Holley’s 1850S Classic Carburetor 4160, which is well-known as one of their best-selling models out there in the market. With the vacuum secondary and 600 CFM, you can rest assured to get the best performance out of it. Enough air-fuel mixture with the single fuel inlet is ensured for your ride’s engine, and mechanical chokes make sure the engine warms up without any delay and disruptions.
Having the definitive Holley appearance, it has corrosion protection with Gold Dichromate finish, giving the carb an overall aluminum polished look! Easy to carry and quick installation is one of its significant aspects aside from the performance it provides. If you are looking for a long-lasting carb and pricing under 400 bucks, you can definitely give it a consideration.
Features and Description
Construction quality: Body made of aluminum with gold dichromate protection in case of corrosion, this Holley carb will ensure you get up to the mark service for a very long time without letting the weather or any other substances affect its performance.
Compatibility: You will definitely look for a carb that is compatible with the manifold of your automobile. This 4-barrel carb is compatible with uncontrolled, racing and most1960 prior trucks and cars.
Installation hardware: All the components used in building this carb are firmly attached to each other, though it might require gasket and mounting studs depending on the intake manifold of your ride.
Carburetor Flange: 2GC small-bore, 2GC large bore, GM 2-BBL, Holley 2300 2-BBL, spread bore, Street Demon, Holley 4150/4160 and Holley 4500 (Dominator) are the styles of the flange that will go with it to fit the intake manifold.
Carburetor Sizing: If your ride’s engine is compatible with 600CFM, then this can be the one for you. The 600CFM will provide the right amount of rpm, meeting the needs of the engine.
Primary and Secondary Barrels: Like the other Holley best-selling carburetors, this one also consists of 4 barrels (two primary and two secondary). These 4-barrels will ensure smooth acceleration as the speed rises.
Choke Details: Manual choke gives you more power in case of engine starting up the engine. Installation is also much more straightforward and time-saving, without letting you put much effort.
Any Specialty Carburetors: This carb is street calibrated, and 100% wet-flow tested, meaning it will not require any alterations while installing. Moreover, it is comparatively easy to maintain.
Quick Features
- Barrels: 4
- Booster: straight
- Carburetor use: street
- Circuit: 2
- Fuel inlet: Single
- Throttle: 1.563 inches
Pros:
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Manual choke provides more control.
- It warms up the engine quickly.
- The carb comes with a 90-days warranty.
- Also offers the best gas mileage.
Cons:
● It may require 1/2 extra parts to install depending on the intake manifold flange style.
4. Edelbrock 1411 4-Barrel Carburetor
The carburetors of performer series from the Edelbrock have been quite a famous choice of the users since its introduction in the business, and this Edelbrock 1411 carb is also no different than others. Consisting of 4-barrels, it guarantees you get the best service at this value. Made in the USA, the manufacturer of Edelbrock carburetors confirms its easy tuning and excellent drivability before landing it to your hands!
It is a single fuel inlet carb with electric chokes, giving better support to the engine, keeping it healthy. The aluminum construction of the carburetor body disrupts wraps from appearing and helps cooling while in operation.
Features and Description
Construction quality: The aluminum body carb with a silver satin finish keeps up the shine for a long time, keeping aside any sort of wearing out on its surface. Best quality components also ensure its long-lasting durability and uninterrupted performance.
Compatibility: Fuel economy of 460 CID Ford and 454 CID Chevy, engines with performer manifolds are compatible. If you are thinking of getting a small block Chevy carburetor, it is capable of providing good street performance and is built keeping the needs of the engine to enhance its productivity.
Installation hardware: If your question is that if it comes with a gasket then yes, it does! You don’t need to worry about getting additional adapters and tools to install it as it is a carb with Edelbrock 1411 manual and quick installation features, keeping the troubles aside.
Carburetor Flange: It goes with the square bore flange style. If your manifold has a different type of flange, then it will require an adapter in order to fit it into the manifold intake.
Carburetor Sizing: With a 750CFM rate and 700-799 CFM range, it can be said that it’ll sync in with the engine and give the expected performance.
Primary and Secondary Barrels: 4-barrel carb with an air valve secondary type is undoubtedly one of the best sides along with its other mentionable features. Smooth acceleration is granted along with keeping the condition of the engine unaffected.
Choke Details: A high-end carb with electric choke! Therefore, the start-up and warm-up of the engine are quick, making it ready to roll without wasting any time.
Any Specialty Carburetors: This Edelbrock small block Chevy carb comes with step-up spring, metering rods and primary and secondary metering jets. Moreover, to prevent any fuel leakage, it doesn’t include gaskets under the fuel level.
Quick Features
- Barrels: 4
- Choke: electric
- CFM: 750
- CFM Rating: 700-799
- Flange Style: Square bore
- Fuel inlet: Single
Pros:
- Effortless and time-saving installation.
- Great pick at this value range.
- It doesn’t require any additional tools for fitting.
- Aluminum body with long-lasting durability.
- Any adjustments can be made without removing the carb.
Cons:
- Too big in dimension for most rides.
- Requires hood clearance in order to fit.
5. Proform 67255 Carburetor
The new Aluminum Street Series Upgrade Carburetor from Proform can be tuned in effortlessly in your vehicle, without requiring any drill. It is easily movable because of its light-weight, thanks to the aluminum-made body. The idle air bleeds are changeable; therefore, alterations in non-permanent calibration is easy if needed.
Proform 67255 carburetor is affordable, ready to roll, and capable of providing efficient service to the high-performance engines designed for the 60s-90s rides. The float level can be changed without removing a sight plug, as the removal can cause a fuel spill. High-end packaging is ensured along with conventional services in most of the retail outlets near you.
Features and Description
Construction quality: If you are looking for any 400 small block carburetor with extra-durable aluminum-made body, this one might be the one for your vehicle! This crab provides high durability and performance with efficiency, without any wear and tear for a very long time.
Compatibility: Looking for a new carburetor can be troublesome sometimes as you have to be sure that it is compatible with your vehicle at most, especially if it is the 60s-90s model vehicle. This 650 CFM 4-barrel carburetor is compatible with broncos’, mustangs,’ C-10s’, and F-100s’, ensuring uninterrupted air-fuel supply.
Installation hardware: Gasket and mounting studs are what mostly asked for before choosing a carburetor. This Proform 4-barrel carb comes with few required installation hardware, which makes the installation uncomplicated. Moreover, it just needs a few adjustments for fitting, and you are ready to go!
Carburetor Flange: If you need a square bore carburetor, this is the one you might give a go! This Proform 67255 square bore carb will bolt precisely to the intake manifold.
Carburetor Sizing: For a 650CFM carburetor, it is undoubtedly one of the most convincing ones out there in the market. Perfect for your ride, it’ll support enough torque and HP with efficient fuel usage.
Primary and Secondary Barrels:This 4-barrel carb includes two primary and two secondary barrels. The primary barrels are only for low rpm but for increased rpm; the secondary barrels start working. These barrels provide the needed amount of air and fuel mixture to the engine for the rise in rpm.
Choke Details: This carb includes an electric choke, which is easy to install and maintain. The electric choke helps warm up the engine gradually, keeping any disruptions aside.
Any Specialty Carburetors: Proform 67255 is an upgraded series model and is assembled with 100% new parts. AOD transmission is not applicable for this carb.
Quick Features:
- Barrel: 4 barrels with two primary and two secondary.
- Choke: Electric.
- CFM: 650.
- Flange Style: Square bore.
- Fuel inlet: Dual.
- Height: 3.25 inches.
- Body material: Aluminum.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly with a price under $400.
- It is a Billet Aluminum Street series based carburetor
- Light-weight and easy to install.
- The electric choke ensures the engine’s quick warm-up.
- Quick visual is available with fuel level windows.
- Secondary airflow is easily adjustable and accessible.
Cons:
- Mostly not compatible for a drag race.
6. Holley 0-80508SA Carburetor
If you are thinking of buying the best street carb for SBC with 750CFM, you can consider Holley’s 0-80508SA Polished Aluminum Universal Street/Strip Carburetor. It is one of the best sellers of its kind. Higher durability, enhanced performance, perfect air-fuel supply are the primary aspects that are reviewed by numerous users, making it more efficient than the others.
The Holley’s 4160 carburetor comes in a polished aluminum body with two metering blocks. Its primary metering block includes two primary jets and a power valve. In the case of Holley 1850 vs 4160, the secondary metering block in 4160 consists of a metering plate. 2 fuel bowls located on both sides receive the fuel and transfer it to the engine with adequate air and fuel mixture. The gaskets help set these components all together.
Features and Description
Construction quality: The aluminum constructed body doesn’t let its durability and shine fade away over time, and also it can be polished if required. Aluminum also saves its weight up to 40%, making it lighter and easily movable!
Compatibility: Chrysler, GM, and Ford A/T kick down linkage are the ones it is best compatible with, giving the ultimate support to your ride with full capacity. Extra components may be required sometimes to install them, but they are not essential for every vehicle it is compatible with.
Installation hardware:
This Holley 4160 4-barrel carburetor is a pre-calibrated crab, meaning it comes with both gaskets and mounting studs. The mounting studs and gaskets fit all the components altogether and ensure an effortless and time-saving installation.
Carburetor Flange: The crab consists of square bore style flanges, but you can replace it if the intake manifold is spread bore. Therefore, it can fit two flange bolt pattern styles depending on the intake manifold, though it will require an adapter for installation.
Carburetor Sizing: It is designed to function with excellence for engines with more than 350HP. It can prove to be a fantastic pick for engines larger than 350 cubic inches.
Primary and Secondary Barrels: The 4-barrels provide an uninterrupted air-fuel mixture to the engine with ease. Primary barrels function while at a low rpm while secondary barrels open if the rpm increases.
Choke Details: It includes electric chokes and works great for quick engine warm-up. Moreover, you do not need to think about its installment as it is factory preset, fitted with the other components.
Any Specialty Carburetors: This carb is different from the Holley 4150 carb in terms of its design of the secondary fuel system. It includes a thin metering plate instead of a metering block, which differentiates both of them in terms of size.
Quick Features:
- Body material: Aluminum
- Flange styles: Both square bore and spread bore
- CFM: 750
- Fuel inlet: Dual
- Barrels: 4 barrels
Pros:
- It is light-weight and easily movable.
- This crab provides time and effort saving installment.
- Covered in a polished and shiny aluminum body.
- It ensures long-lasting durability and high-end performance.
Cons:
- Not applicable for street cars with small blocks.
Read more on: Symptoms of Wrong Power Valve.
Is a 400 small block better than a 350?
For the design, a small block of 400 and 350 both are identical, so most of the engine accessories for the small block fits both of them. However, in terms of the way they are balanced and their casting numbers are different from each other, which makes one better than the other. 350 small block engines are internally balanced but the 400 ones are not. However, the 400 small blocks are well-balanced externally with flexplate.
Regarding performance, the chevy 350 small block provides a limitless RPM compared to its counterpart. Whereas, the 400 small block will turn at 6,500 RPM at maximum. So, 350 small blocks are better than a 400.
Best Carburetor for Small Block 400: Buying guide
If you are stressing over to pick the right carburetor for your 400 small block engine, then read out my brief guide on this, where I have pointed a few basic things to consider.
CFM
CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute refers to how much air can move every minute to create a pressure that leads to compressing gas needed to run the engine. Therefore, for 400 small blocks, you require to have an average CFM between 670-700. Choosing CFM lower than this won’t produce enough compression, hence, your engine will run slow, acceleration will decrease and fuel consumption will increase. Over time, your engine might even die if it is running continuously with lower CFM. Therefore, considering the CFM is more important than anything.
Size
Always pick the right size of the carb for your small-block 400 engine, Do not live in the misconception that bigger is always better, too big a carburetor will definitely harm the engine’s overall performance. To pick the right size, it is better to match the carb with your 400 small block’s volumetric potential and breathing ability. Either of these measurements with the right size carburetor will improve the engine’s performance like never before.
It would be better even if you pick a smaller size carburetor for your 400 small block because the oversized ones are bound to hamper the vehicle’s drivability with poor throttle response, acceleration and gas mileage.
Gaskets
The carburetor gasket is an important component to airtight and seals them so that no gas leaks and your engine can perform well. So, choosing a good-quality gasket for a 400 small block engine that runs with 6,500 RPM is important for preventing overheating and loosening after a rigorous vehicle performance.
How to Install an Edelbrock Carburetor on Chevy 350 Engine
Motorcycle carburetor size calculator
Since there is no calculator made to specifically or magically calculate the carb size. But, you can use this theoretical formula to calculate the estimated carb size for your engine.
Carb diameter(mm)=square root[ (n * s * D^2)/(30 * v)]
Where,
n= maximal power revolution (1/min)
s=stoke (mm)
D=bore (mm)
v=gas speed (45-60 m/s) Source:http://4secondsflat.com/Carb_CFM_Calculator.html
What is the best way to clean a carburetor kit?
Learn about the differences between carb cleaners and air intake cleaners – which is best for you?
What size carburetor do I need for a Pontiac 400?
To perform well-enough, a Pontiac 400 requires a carburetor that provides CFM of 750. With this much, your Pontiac 400 engine will run smooth, with better drivability, lower fuel consumption and stable acceleration rate. You must not go for less than 750 CFM for Pontiac 400 or else it will have an adverse effect on the engine.
What size carburetor do I need for a 406?
For a 406 engine, a carburetor with 750 CFM is good enough to enhance the engine’s performance and provide rigorous drivability to the vehicle. You will notice a significant improvement in the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, and gas mileage once you install the 750 CFM for your 406 engine.
How do I choose the right carburetor?
For choosing the right carburetor you need to know the size and model of your engine. According to that, you need to select the right CFM of the carburetor with which your engine gets gas compression to work. Then, you also need to look for the right size of carburetor to fit with the engine.
What happens if the carburetor is too big?
Oversized carburetors for the engine are bound to hamper the vehicle’s drivability with poor throttle response, acceleration and gas mileage. Because the engine will fail to keep up with the airflow via barrels for stable fuel delivery. Even if you go for smaller carbs, but don’t choose larger ones for your engine’s performance sake.
How much horsepower can a carburetor add?
Carburetors do not necessarily increase horsepower of an engine. The engine’s horsepower increment will be determined by its exhaust; so, carburetors have no direct relationship. If your vehicle has a stock motor, then a carburetor can open up the horsepower, but cannot add it.
How much hp does a small block 400 have?
A 400 small block creates a low compression that can create horsepower up to 376 and almost 450 lb ft of torque. With this significant hp, your small block 400 will perform with the highest fun. An engine with an hp above 300 means it is serious about its performance.
Which is better 350 or 400 small block?
The chevy 350 small block provides a limitless RPM compared to its counterpart. Whereas, the 400 small block will turn at 6,500 RPM at maximum. So, 350 small blocks engines are better than a 400 small block engine.
How much horsepower does a small block 400 have?
A small block 400 creates a low compression that can create horsepower up to 376 and almost 450 lbs ft of torque. With a hp above 300, a small block 400 engine will perform with the highest fun. You can expect some serious performance with this engine in your chevy.
How much hp in a 400 small block?
With a significant hp, your small block 400 will perform with the highest possible self. A 400 small block creates a low compression that can create a horsepower up to 376 and almost 450 lb ft of torque. An engine with hp above 300 means it is serious about its performance.
What to soak carburetor in to clean and can you soak a carburetor in gas to clean it?
FAQ on Best Carburetor for Small Block 400
What size carburetor do I need for a 400?
The best size carburetor that you need for a 400 is a 600CFM and 4-barrel carburetor for SBC 400. Therefore, 650 CFM also does well with 400 small blocks.
What is the best carb for stock 350?
● Edelbrock 1406 ● Edelbrock 1906 ● Holley 1850 ● Holley 80508 ● Edelbrock 14011
What size carburetor do I need for a 350?
You would need 600cfm to 750cfm for your 350 small block engine. Therefore, professionals recommend using 650 cfm for the 350 small blocks.
What is the best carburetor for a 383 stroker?
These are the best carburetors for the 383 stroker. ● Holley 80457 ● Holley 80738 ● Edelbrock 1405 ● Edelbrock 1406 ● ROCHESTER 180-4473
Carb size cfm calculator- How to calculate
Calculating carburetor size is quite a complex task. The formula is given below. CFM = Cubic Inches x RPM x Volumetric Efficiency ÷ 3456.
What is the best carburetor for 350 Chevy?
These are the best carburetors for 350 Chevy. ● Edelbrock 1406 ● Edelbrock 1906 ● Holley 1850S ● Holley 80508 ● Proform 67255
How much horsepower will a 650 cfm carb support?
A 650cfm carburetor supports the horsepower around 470. Therefore, you can use it with a bigger horsepower.
What is 400 SBC carb size?
400 SBC is an efficient small block engine designed by Chevrolet. Usually, 600cfm to 750cfm carb does well with this small block.
Is a 600 cfm carb too big for a 305?
No, a 600 cfm carburetor is not big for a 305 small block. A 600 cfm carburetor runs well with a 305 small block.
How much HP does a 400 small block have?
A 400 small block can efficiently manage 401 horsepower.
What is the best street carburetor?
Edelbrock 1406 ● Edelbrock 1906 ● Holley 1850 ● Holley 80508
Does a bigger carburetor mean more power?
Bigger always better. Using a bigger carburetor can give you more rpm. But It’s not good for street use as it can reduce your fuel economy.
Is Holley or Edelbrock better?
Both are market toppers in different aspects. Holley is best for a beginner whereas Edelbrock is best for the professionals.
How do I choose a carburetor size?
You can calculate the carb size with mathematical tricks. Here is how you can choose your carburetor size. CFM = Cubic Inches x RPM x Volumetric Efficiency ÷ 3456
Best carburetor for street performance
Comparison table of Best Carburetor Choices
| Name | Weight Type CFM power | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Edelbrock 1406 (Editor’s Choice) | 9 lbs Four barrel 600 | 5/5 |
| Holley 0-7448 | 9.45 lbs Manual choke 350 | 4.5/5 |
| Caltric CARBURETOR (Expert’s Choice) | 0.43 lbs Sports edition N/A | 4.5/5 |
| Waverspeed 2-Barrel | 7.41 lbs Dual barrel N/A | 4.5/5 |
Read More
- Caltric Carb
- What does a Carburetor do?
- Brawler Carburetor Reviews
- Edelbrock 1406 Review
- How to calculate Carburetor CFM
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our discussion, it is evident that picking the best Carburetor for Small Block 400 mainly depends on the engine of your ride. The types of carbs portrayed in this article are some of the best-selling and budget-friendly ones from the reputed companies in the world of automobiles.
If you are having a hard time fixing your old and worn out carb over and over again and, if you want to replace it with a brand new one, we assure you that you won’t be disappointed if you pick one of the best performance carburetors from the ones we have listed above. Last but not least, feel free to share your experience with us through feedback.
