Wedge Tips/Hints on Edelbrock-Holley TR8 Conversion

[chrisc]

Ok Guys,

As mentioned in a previous topic on my engine running issues, I've finally taken the plunge and ordered the edelbrock/holley conversion from Woody (no disrespect to those preferring the Edelbrock carb).

My question is does anyone know of or have a link to a comprehensive site/pictures/hints/tips on installation issues and "gotchas.? I know I can rely on Woody for tech help, but I'd like to study up wherever I can to make this go as easy as possible. I'm probably over-thinking it, but I expect to encounter some problems.

I've read about some cooling house routing issues and potential issues with having to tap the manifold for cooling sensors. Anything else I need to be thinking through or planning for that may cause some issues?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[PATR8]

Trust me, if you have Woody working with you, you need no one else

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, Chris -

I had a couple issues to iron out, but they weren't too difficult.

You'll have to shorten the accelerator cable and make some sort of standoff for it. You'll also need some sort of terminal for the cable to attach to the throttle linkage on the Holley. I'll see if I can get a couple of pictures of how I did mine for reference. Also, air cleaner clearance is an issue. My avatar shows mine - low profile Holley unit, but even it had to be cut down a bit, and it still bumps the bonnet at times. A lot of folks use the triangular Edelbrock cleaner.

With regard to the coolant return from the header tank (the small hose), on mine, Woody tapped the triangular boss on the Edelbrock manifold to accept the small nipple from the stock manifold. Be extra careful removing the nipple from the stock manifold; it's very thin and brittle. Soak it in PB Blaster for a day or so. If you should break it, your local machine shop can help, or if you have a tap and die set, you may be able to source the right size pipe and do that yourself.

The fans have a two speed operation, based on coolant temperature detected by two fairly large sensors - same size, but different operating temps. The low speed is controlled by a sensor on the left side of the radiator. That triangular boss is the place for the high temp fan sensor, so I had a choice of wiring the fans to come on high speed from the radiator (low temp) sending unit, or find another place to put the high temp sending unit. At first, I simply wired the fans to operate at high speed from the low temp sensor, but have since had my not-so-local-but-very-accomodating machine shop drill and tap a spare thermostat housing for a smaller sized sending unit. Now the fans operate as they should - low speed at just over the halfway mark on the gauge, and high speed at around 3/4.

Sounds a LOT more complicated than it is. Let me know if I can help out.

Mickey

 

[chrisc]

Thanks for the tips, and yes, I know Woody will help bail me out as necessary.

I have a lot of issues at once that I'm dealing with, poor running was the latest symptom. My fans are original and only one (the one near the expansion tank) comes on and only at high-speed. That was an issue I figured I'd deal with once the carb situation is squared-away. I'm assuming you can tap for the high-speed sensor in the manifold, however, preference seems to be using another sensor due to size and/or availability?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Chris -

I've several pictures that I can email you - all but a close up of the carb linkage and the thermostat housing. PM me your email address and I'll get them to you.

Mickey