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What size carb is best for a 350?

When it comes to selecting the optimal carburetor size for a 350 engine, there are several factors to consider. The right carburetor can significantly impact your engine's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability. In this article, we'll explore the key considerations to help you determine the best carburetor size for your 350 engine.


Factors to Consider


The size of the carburetor you choose for your 350 engine depends on several factors, including the engine's horsepower, the intended use of the vehicle, and the driving conditions. Generally, a 350 engine will perform best with a carburetor in the range of 600 to 750 cubic feet per minute (CFM).



  • Engine Horsepower: The higher the engine's horsepower, the larger the carburetor needed to provide the necessary fuel flow. A 350 engine with higher performance modifications may require a larger carburetor, such as a 750 CFM model.

  • Intended Use: If the vehicle is primarily used for street driving, a 600 CFM carburetor may be the best choice, as it will provide good fuel economy and drivability. For a high-performance or racing application, a 750 CFM carburetor may be more suitable.

  • Driving Conditions: If the vehicle will be driven in hilly or mountainous areas, a larger carburetor may be necessary to maintain power and responsiveness at higher elevations.


It's important to note that the carburetor size is not the only factor that affects engine performance. Other components, such as the intake manifold, exhaust system, and ignition system, also play a crucial role in optimizing your 350 engine's performance.


Choosing the Right Carburetor


When selecting a carburetor for your 350 engine, it's best to consult with a reputable automotive parts supplier or a knowledgeable mechanic. They can help you determine the appropriate carburetor size based on your specific engine modifications and intended use. Additionally, they can provide guidance on the installation and tuning of the carburetor to ensure optimal performance.


Remember, the right carburetor size can make a significant difference in your 350 engine's performance, so it's essential to choose wisely and ensure that the carburetor is properly installed and tuned.

What happens if carb CFM is too high?


An engine with a carb that is too big will put out less Torque and Horsepower . It will be difficult to drive due to poor low-end torque.



How do I calculate my carb needs?


If you had a recommended daily calorie intake of 2,000 calories, you would take 40 percent of that 800 calories. With the 800 calories, you would divide by the four calories found in every gram of carbohydrate, which equals out to 200 grams of carbohydrates needed each day.



How do I choose the right carbs?


Choose whole foods rather than processed
“Whole fruit contains fiber, which helps to slow digestion and therefore minimizes fluctuating blood sugar,” Davidson says. Choose whole wheat or whole grain, too. “Refined carbohydrates are processed in a way that removes some or all of the grain's original fiber,” she adds.



How do I determine what size carb I need?


To arrive at the most appropriate carburetor choice, there's a basic formula: engine displacement multiplied by maximum rpm divided by 3,456. For example: a typical 355ci small-block—a 0.030-over rebuild—with a 6,000-rpm max engine speed would work well with a 616-cfm carb ((355 x 6,000) 3,456 = 616.32).



Is higher CFM better for carburetors?


The lower the CFM rating, the more vacuum per volume of air and the better control of fuel mixture at a given speed. Raise the CFM rating and you'll put more air/fuel in the cylinders at a given RPM, with less control. Which do you want? A carburetor uses vacuum as both a control signal and as a source of power.



What is the strongest Chevy block?


ZZ632/1000 Deluxe
View ZZ632/1000 Deluxe. All roads lead here — the largest, most powerful Chevrolet Big-Block ever.



What's the most optimal size carburetor for a Chevy 350?


A 600-cfm carburetor may perform quite well on a stock 350 Chevy. However, the minute you start weaving in power adders like a hotter cam, a dual-plane performance intake manifold, and aluminum heads you're going to need 700-750 cfm.



How much horsepower does a carbureted 350 have?


The Chevy 350 engine is a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) small block V8 with a 4.00 and 3.48 inch bore and stroke. Depending on the year, make and model of a car, horsepower ranges from approximately 145 to more than 370.



Will a 600 CFM carb work on a 454?


The Holley cfm selection chart doesn't lie, a std 454 slugger 600cfm is more than enough. And obviously something more serious making more power will require something bigger.



Do carburetors increase horsepower?


The right carburetor correctly paired with an engine combination should result in increased horsepower and consistency, which translates to lower ETs and higher MPH.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.