Carburetors may not be common in modern vehicles, but for anyone looking to restore a classic hot rod or muscle car, getting an authentic carburetor can be essential for the build. Unfortunately, finding a high-quality carburetor isn't always easy, especially if you narrow your search to US carburetors.
The good news is that we're here to help. We'll assist you find the carburetor you need, whether a 4-barrel made in the USA or something more substantial. Read on to learn more below.
Choosing the Best Carburetor
It's not always easy to find the best carburetor because there are many factors you need to consider. Learn about what you need to consider when choosing the best carburetor below.
Engine Compatibility
First and foremost, take some time to consider if the carburetor is compatible with your engine. For the carburetor to be compatible, it has to physically fit the intake manifold. It also has to be the appropriate size for the cubic inch displacement. Carburetors have a cubic feet per minute rating (CFM), which measures how much airflow they can provide to an engine. You don't want the CFM to be too high or too low for optimal performance. Read our tech article on how to select the correct size carburetor for more information.
The Number of Barrels
The number of barrels a carburetor has determines how well it performs at high and low RPMs based on engine size. This is because the number of barrels determines the precision of fuel and air added to an engine. When you only have a single barrel, that one barrel is responsible for the total volume of air, whereas more barrels will allow more air into the engine, which when atomized with more fuel, produces more power.
Manual or Electric Choke
A carburetor’s choke controls the amount of air entering an engine when its first turned on or running cold. The type of choke a carburetor comes with is also essential, but this depends on user preferences.
Manual chokes give the driver more control with a manual pull cable, whereas an electric choke automatically adjusts based on the temperature of an engine or an electrically heated spring; if you’re running a more modern setup with a specific tune, electric chokes are optimal.
Aftermarket Support
Last but not least, consider aftermarket support. Carburetors need support from the company that manufactured them to replace components or improve the parts. Thankfully, most of JEGS’ top picks come with excellent customer support and satisfaction.
American Made Quality
There's something about American quality that you can't find in other countries. Several things set American carburetors apart, whether the parts' quality or the brand's reputation. Learn more about why American-made quality is important below.
Quality Manufacturing
Between regulations requiring manufacturers to make premium parts and the American’s drive for innovation, you get high-quality carburetors that outperform the competition. American manufacturing standards for automotive parts are often stricter than regulations in other countries. Moreover, an American-made carburetor can be a better option to help you meet US emissions regulations as well as performance.
JEGS Top Picks Made in the USA
Plenty of carburetors are available, but some are better than others. Learn about our top picks below to find the best US carburetors.
1. Proform 67209 Race Series 1050 CFM Drag Race Gasoline Carburetor w/2-Step Down-Leg Boosters
When you want a carburetor for racing at high rpms with a large motor, you can't go wrong with this race series drag race carburetor. It's a 1050 CFM carburetor designed for high-performance drag racing applications. It has 2-step down-leg boosters and a mechanical secondary for the best possible power delivery. The Proform 67209 Race Series 1050 CFM Drag Race Gasoline Carburetor also has precision metering blocks with 4-corner idle screws that make tuning this carburetor a breeze, even if you’re looking for a specific fuel and air mixture. The last thing to note is that it has a high-flow main body with aluminum parts for the best possible air intake. Overall, it's one of the best racing carbs you can get.
2. Proform 67199 Race Series 650 CFM Drag Race Gasoline Carburetor w/2-Step Down-Leg Boosters
Another great carburetor is the Proform 67199 Race Series 650 CFM model. While it has a lower CFM than the Proform 67209 model, it's perfect for high-performance vehicles with lower rpm demands and smaller engines. It also is available at a lower price. That said, it still comes with premium parts ideal for tuning. Some notable features include the bullet metering blocks with fuel control baffling, adjustable screw-in air bleeds, changeable idle feed restrictions, and a high-performance billet throttle base plate. These components make tuning the Proform carburetor a breeze.
3. Quick Fuel Q-Series 1050cfm Drag Race Carb
Q-Series carburetors from Quick Fuel are perfect for weekend car enthusiasts or people who want to shred the track regularly. They're designed for the racetrack and can handle intense force and some of the hardest launches with notched floats and secondary jet extensions. This carburetor is also made with a lightweight aluminum body with machined components made with precision for excellent airflow, throttle response, and performance. What's more, the Q-Series 1050 CFM model is perfect for big engines with ample power, and you can even use fuel types like E-85 to squeeze the most power out of your engine.
4. Edelbrock 1906-BP AVS2 650 CFM Carburetor
Regarding 650 CFM carburetors, the Edelbrock is among the best on the market. The perfect combination of performance and pleasing aesthetics with the black plasma finish looks great on any engine. It features impressive annular booster technology that eliminates the need for power valves because it can handle backfires while enhancing throttle response. Tuning is easy with changeable metering rods and springs, so you don't have to worry about running a fixed setup. The last thing to note is one of its most notable features, which is the Qwik-Tune Secondary Air Valve. It allows for vacuum secondary calibration to fit any of your driving needs.
5. Quick Fuel Brawler Diecast Carburetor 600 CFM Vacuum Secondary / Electric Choke
The Quick Fuel Brawler Diecast Carburetor can meet the high demands of drag racing, but it's also perfect for some weekend fun. Plus, it's budget-friendly and as tunable as some of the more expensive carburetor options. If that's not enough, Quick Fuel Brawler carburetors are made with the latest innovations in fuel management technology. Every component is lightweight and produced with premium aluminum that can withstand time. You can't go wrong with this Quick Fuel model when you’re looking for an affordable carburetor that delivers top-notch performance. It also has an electronic choke, so that's one less thing you have to worry about when it comes to precision tuning.
