Again...please pardon my newbie questions.

Right now I plan on going with a 600 cfm carburetor from Edelbrock and am not sure whether to go manual or electric. What is the big difference and which is the better choice on a tight budget like mine (the carbs themselves cost the same)?

 

I would recommend manual choke because it is fool proof, nothing to go wrong nothing to adjust. On the downside you must run a choke cable inside the car to the dash someplace.

The electric chokes work fine when they work but need adjusting sometimes and can be difficult to get just right, they can be finicky but you dont need to run a cable to your dash.

Gun

 

Thanks for the advice Manual Choke it is. How does this look?

 

That looks like a good one, It even has manual secondary which is good too, I would take manual seconds over vacuum operated ones any day because again there is nothing to mess with. You dont have to guess at spring tension "geez i wonder if they are open yet"?? When the foot goes to the floor they open no guesswork. My carter AFB has a counterweighted baffle above the seconds so once you hit WOT they wont flood the engine because there is a baffle above them that opens at a more constant rate due to increasing air velocity, as air velocity increases past the baffle its forces the baffle open further and further until it is fully opened.

Not sure if this carb has one on it, they probably help a little and would be good to have.

Other than that I would say go for it unless you want the Carter AFB. Not sure on how much quality difference there is I would think the Edelbrock is about equal to the Carter AFB.

One further note a 600 CFM is probably too much carb for a bone stock 289, Im not sure what they came with stock but you should try to match it unless you have upgraded your engine (intake,cam, for sure then heads and so on)
Gun

 

On a bone stock 2V 289 car, I have to agree that a 600 would be too much. If its a Hi-Po then I think its just about right.
-P.

 

So how does a 500cfm carb sound and how do I know if the one I choose will fit? Also, what additional items will I have to buy when I buy the aftermarket carburetor.

 

I’m not sure what type of intake you have, are you running a 2 barrel or 4 barrel carb? Sticking a 4-barrel on a 2-barrel intake is not advised.

The only thing you should have to buy is the choke cable and perhaps a gasket that any kragen, napa can get.

Gun

 

I have had manual and electric chokes on several cars I have owned throughout my life, and I can tell you that you will just get used to whatever system you have. The manual choke allows you a little more control on how much the butterfly opens, so is a real car driver's choice, but the electric offers the convenience of not having to worry about the choke because it is basically automatic. With the manual, you simply have to remember to push it in after the car warms up, or you will be running rich and wasting gas. If you are on top of everything and alert to how your car feels regarding the choke system, then definitely go for the manual. I personally prefer the electric because I am lazy, and have CRS disease.

 

I have the 2v intake and know that I should only but a 2v carb but how do I know which carbs will fit?

 

You may have to call and ask if it doesnt say for ford 289 2v.
thats the only suggestion i can give

Gun