carberators

[marti]

what carberators can be used on a 1978 ford F-150, besides of course, the original which I dont have?? It's in CA. so we got the sticky smog stuff...it's a 302, 5.0 L. auto transmission...

 

[LEB Ben]

Man oh man...that's a loaded question. There a formulas that can be used to help you get a baseline/ballpark of the size of carb that will work for you. Once you have that, take a look on Summit Racing and search through the 50 state legal carbs. Then determine what features you like best, and see what will fit your price range. I personally, like Holley's, but there are a boat load of carbs you'll be able to choose from.

 

[Mil1ion]

4bbl = edelbrock performer

2bbl = original motorcraft

 

[bucks77ford]

I also prefer Holley's and out there in CA, they won't be as cold blooded as say in a colder climate.

 

[BKW]

Uh...this truck is in CA...how many of you 'chimer inners' are? Are y'all aware that CA smog tests ALL 1976 and newer vehicles?

Before y'all recommend what replacement carb can be used, I suggest the OP contact the CA Air Resources Board to see what is acceptable.

IF a new carb is bought, then installed that is not acceptable, the OP will be SOL ... since it cannot be used to pass the smog test, and will not be returnable if it's installed!

IMO, a 4V carb will not be acceptable PERIOD, as no Ford F Series truck with a 302 ever came with one. And, since an EGR valve is required, the carb spacer plate is specific, as the EGR valve bolts to it.

CA requires that all the original emission related parts (in this case: PCV, EGR, T/E (smog pump), Evap Emission and the Cat converter) has to be on the vehicle and in working order.

There is NO waiver if the parts are obsolete like there once was. It's fix it...or park it!!

Ben, there is no such thing as 50 state emissions parts for vehicles of this vintage sold new in CA

Parts installed on CA vehicles were unique in most cases. Therefore...what is legal in the 49 states might, but most likely might not be acceptable in CA. The CA only Cat converter is one example.

And...do NOT believe what the parts sellers like Summit and etc claim. Most haven't a clue what CA requires for vehicles of this vintage.

The bottom line is: Research first, buy second.

btw: In case anyone's wondering, I was a Ford partsman for 35 years (1962/97) here in LA LA Land, so I know what the hell I'm speaking about.

Over the past 4 years, I've searched for NOS parts (mostly on t'other site) for people that were up scheiss creek without a paddle, as their vehicles could not pass a CA smog test, and they couldn't find the correct parts.

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^Thanks for the info Bill...you know what they say about assuming, and I assumed the sticker/labels they put on the boxes and advertised with, meant the part was acceptable.

 

[Mil1ion]

I knew all that Bill but we are dealing with someone with their FIRST POST on the site

So My reply covered both possibilities the guy had in mind

Original 2v means Original CALIFORNIA 2v carb nothing else

I was waiting for the OP to reply so I could list the CA related carb #'s

Did the CA parcel leave yet

 

[BKW]

Did the CA parcel leave yet

Whatta you think?