Converting Your Quadrajet: Electric Choke Installation Guide

how to convert quadrajet to electric choke

Quadrajet carburettors are a type of integral choke carburettor that can be converted from a manual choke to an electric choke. Electric choke conversion kits are available for purchase and can be easily installed. However, it is important to ensure that the carburettor is functioning correctly before attempting to convert it to an electric choke. Common issues with carburettors include fuel supply problems and flat spots or stutters on wide-open throttle, which may be resolved by adjusting the setup or replacing certain parts.

Characteristics and Values Table for Converting Quadrajet to Electric Choke

Characteristics Values
Carburetor Type Quadrajet
Conversion Type Hot Air Choke to Electric Choke
Kit Availability Edelbrock #1932 Hot Air to Electric Choke Kit
Kit Contents Electric Choke Coil, Vacuum Cap, Flat Blade Terminal, Bolt Kit, Air Cleaner Mounting Gasket, Carb Repair Kit
Power Source 12V "Key On" Source, Fuse Box, Wiper Motor Power Line
Installation Ease Easy, Comes with Installation Video
Performance Improved Performance, Smooth Running, High Idle Issue Reported
Engine Compatibility Chevrolet Corvette, SMI Q-Jet Truck, 77 Cutlass 442
Considerations Remove Heat Coil from Intake, Verify Vacuum Passage

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Electric choke conversion kits

These kits are designed to fit all Quadrajet carburetors with electric or hot air choke elements. They are easy to install and come with comprehensive video instructions. The electric choke conversion kit offers a modern upgrade for older Quadrajet carburetors, improving performance and reliability.

The conversion process involves blocking off the vacuum ports and connecting the 12v wire to power the electric choke. A 12v "key on" power source is required for the electric choke to function, which can be sourced from the fuse block or other locations under the hood, such as the wiper motor power line.

It is important to note that the conversion kit does not include the choke housing that mounts to the body. Additionally, finding a strong 12v source under the hood can be challenging, as some users have experienced voltage drop issues when connecting to existing wires.

Before opting for an electric choke conversion, it is recommended to ensure that any issues with the stock divorced choke are not due to improper adjustment, setup, or rebuild. Addressing these fundamental problems first is crucial before considering conversion parts.

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Conversion steps

The conversion from a quadrajet to an electric choke can be done using a conversion kit. The Edelbrock #1932 Hot Air to Electric Choke Kit, for example, is one such kit that can be used to convert your Q-Jet hot-air style choke into an electric choke.

Firstly, you will need to identify a 12V "key on" power source for the element. This power source should supply 12V power for the entire time that the key is in the "on" position. You can find this power source at your fuse block, or you may be able to tie into a source under the hood, such as the wiper motor power line.

Next, you will need to remove the divorced choke coil from the intake. You may want to keep it for aesthetic purposes, but it is not necessary for the conversion.

After that, you can install the new electric choke coil with a flat blade terminal. This will heat up instead of using hot air from the engine.

Additionally, you will need to block off vacuum ports and connect the 12V wire. A vacuum cap can be used to cover the hot air port.

Finally, ensure that the electric choke is only powered when the key is turned to "RUN" and not in any other position, including "CRANK". You can then route the power through an oil pressure switch so that the choke isn't powered if the engine stalls.

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Carburetor options

If you're looking to convert your Quadrajet carburetor to an electric choke, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that M4M carburetors are integral choke carburetors that can be converted to electric chokes. If your engine has a stock intake manifold, ensure that the stock divorced choke is correctly adjusted and set up, as this may be the source of any issues you're experiencing.

One option is to replace the divorced choke coil with an electric coil mounted to the manifold. However, it is recommended to address any underlying problems first rather than simply adding conversion parts. If you're set on converting to an electric choke, you can purchase a conversion kit from suppliers like Edelbrock, Quadrajet Power Store, or Cliff. These kits will provide you with the necessary components to block off vacuum ports and connect the 12v wire to your carburetor.

When installing the electric choke, you will need to run the wire to a switched 12V source that turns on when the ignition is on. The fuse box is a common location for this. An electric choke operates similarly to a hot air choke but uses an electric coil to heat up instead of relying on hot air from the engine.

If you're open to exploring alternative carburetor options, Holley offers a spreadbore Q-Jet unit that may be worth considering. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific vehicle and performance goals.

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Wiring the electric choke

Wiring an electric choke is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure a successful conversion. Here is a detailed guide on how to wire the electric choke for your Quadrajet:

Firstly, locate a suitable power source for the electric choke. It requires a 12V "key on" power source, which should provide power to the element for the entire time that the key is in the "on" position. A good place to find this power source is at the fuse block, or you may be able to tie into a source under the hood, such as the wiper motor power line. Ensure that the power source can provide sufficient voltage, as some in-line connections may not provide enough voltage.

Once you have identified the power source, run the wire from the electric choke to the 12V source. The wire should be connected to a switched 12V source that is active when the ignition is turned on. This can also be connected to the fuse box, as mentioned earlier.

It is important to note that the electric choke should only be powered when the key is in the "RUN" position and not in any other position, including "CRANK". To ensure this, route the power through an oil pressure switch, so that the choke loses power if the engine stalls.

Now, you can remove the divorced choke coil from the intake. This step is optional, and you may choose to keep it for aesthetic purposes. However, if you decide to remove it, simply disconnect and take it off.

Finally, test the setup to ensure that the electric choke is functioning correctly. With these steps, you should now have successfully wired the electric choke for your Quadrajet, providing a more reliable and efficient choke operation.

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Troubleshooting

Issue: Incompatible Mounting Holes

If you have a non-electric Quadrajet carburetor, it may lack the necessary mounting holes to install an electric choke.

Solution: You will need to replace the carburetor with one that has an electric choke already installed or consider using an electric choke conversion kit, which can provide the required components to block off vacuum ports and connect the wiring.

Issue: Inconsistent Power Supply

A consistent 12V power supply is crucial for the electric choke to function properly.

Solution: Ensure that the electric choke is wired to a switched 12V source that is active only when the ignition is in the "RUN" position. Avoid powering the choke when the key is in any other position, including "CRANK." Consider routing the power through an oil pressure switch to protect the choke from receiving power if the engine stalls. The fuse box is typically a good place to find a suitable power source.

Issue: High Idle Issues

If your vehicle is idling high after installing the electric choke, there may be an issue with the choke's operation or other components.

Solution: Check the choke's adjustment and setup. Ensure that the choke is properly adjusted and correctly set up for your specific carburetor and engine configuration. Verify that the choke pull-off system, including the secondary air valve levers and linkages, matches the specifications for your carburetor.

Issue: Ineffective Electric Choke Performance

Some users have reported issues with electric chokes not functioning correctly or burning out quickly.

Solution: Ensure that you are using a high-quality electric choke component that is compatible with your carburetor. Consider seeking advice from experienced mechanics or enthusiasts who have successfully performed similar conversions. Verify that the electric choke is receiving adequate power and is properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Issue: Vacuum Line Concerns

There may be questions about the placement of the vacuum line during the conversion process.

Solution: Consult a diagram or seek advice from a trusted source to determine the correct placement of the vacuum line when installing the electric choke. Ensure that the vacuum passage is verified and compatible with your specific carburetor setup.

Frequently asked questions

A Quadrajet is a type of carburettor.

An electric choke conversion kit for a Quadrajet converts a hot air choke Quadrajet carburettor to an electric choke.

An electric choke conversion kit for a Quadrajet includes a new electric choke coil with a flat blade terminal, a vacuum cap for the hot air port, and a flat blade terminal.

To install an electric choke conversion kit for a Quadrajet, run the wire to a switched 12V source that is on when the ignition is on. The fuse box is a good place.

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