305A carburetor
 

Is there a good alternative to the Holley 1904 on the 1960 305A or is there a source for rebuilt units or a reputable rebuilder someone has used ? I can find 1904's but the throttle body on the units for the 305 A is different. Thanks

Re: 305A carburetor
 

I bought a kit to rebuild my Stromberg from Mike's Carb Parts and it had everything I needed. I have not had any carbs rebuilt by him so I can't speak to that.

I see he lists a universal replacement carb for a 1904 Holley. It is pricey ($399 on sale), and he also sells kits if you wish to rebuild your own, or he can do it for you.

*There is a section on his webpage that states that there are some items for the carb he does not carry, like the Float. he advises buying another carb for parts.

The carb below has 4.8 rating overall listed on the site. He also has 4 Part series on rebuilding the Holley 1904 on YouTube.

https://www.carburetor-parts.com/190...04_p_3141.html

Re: 305A carburetor
 

I'm confused: You asked if there is an "alternative" to 1904. This means you may open to a non original carburetor. But you also said you can find 1904's but the throttle body is "different". What about it is different that it can't be used? I also don't know what trouble you are having? Do you have a 1904 now? and is it giving you trouble?

If you have a 1904 that you suspect needs rebuilt, Funky is RIGHT ON, contact Mike's carburetor, give them the 1904 number and either get a kit or send for rebuild. He answers any question by email. He is a really great guy. He probably has a video on the 1904 rebuild.

The 1904 is only a one barrel carb. Parts are getting rare. The glass front is hard to find. It may be an easy good idea to switch to a WW Stromberg which is a good two barrel carb used on/designed for 305 V6's. There's your alternative. There are others, some require some fab and doubtful advantage.

Re: 305A carburetor
 

I am familiar with Mikes and have seen his videos ,good information The throttle body on the 1904 on the 305A is larger than most 1904s which were used on smaller engines. The float bowls are the same however . I was looking for a more modern carb that might be better than the 1904 that would be an easy replacement . Have had many cars with 1904s just throwing it out there to see if someone might have used something else .,not looking for a big project . Thanks

Re: 305A carburetor
 

You just need a little newer 305 intake manifold, easy to find and install. Buy a WW, east to find and install. Not much work.

Re: 305A carburetor
 

thanks for the info

Re: 305A carburetor
 

The 1904 Holley that came stock on the 305 A is a wonderfully simple and reliable carb.
It may not be the most economical or highest performing one that can be found and installed, but it is easy to rebuild and adjust.
I have never seen one with a glass float bowl, if that is what Ken means by "front."
I am also surprised that a "newer" 305 intake manifold can be described as easy to find and install.

Re: 305A carburetor
 

I agree simple and easy to adjust however leaking float bowls are a problem with these carbs because of warpage from over tightening the float bowl cover as described on Mike's carburetor website. Thanks

Re: 305A carburetor
 

From Mike's carburetors website:

The Holley 1904 is a 1 barrel, downdraft carburetor and has three basic parts, the main body, throttle body and the float bowl. The main body includes the metering block, float and the economizer. The float bowl mounts on the front of the carburetor and can be metal, or glass. The glass bowl is becoming a rare piece to find, undoubtedly because they are so easy to break and they are not made any more.

Re: 305A carburetor
 

Thank's , I have read the info on his website in the past . Is there any info out there regarding differences in the metering bodies on these carbs interchangeability etc.? Mike's could not help with that. Just got some gaskets from Mike's today. Trying to remedy the float bowl leak.