Best carburator for 4.3 merc. Vortec

Clarko1988

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 27, 2021
Messages
103
I want to upgrade my carb keep having problems with the one I have not sure what to get/use.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,538
the edelbrock 1409 is a 4 barrel, however depending on which 4.3, there are 3 different tuning kits

@Clarko1988 be very specific to what you have. your exact engine year (not boat year), and the induction you currently have. if your boat is a 1988 vintage, with a 1987 motor, it will have different tuning kit required than a 1988 motor
 

Scott06

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
5,667
Are you looking for a bolt on stock replacement that works, or are you interested in upgrading to a 4 bbl for some more power ?
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
11,841
Yep most will recommend the 1409 but last I checked they like some Edelbrock manifolds are on back order, if you’re looking for new. Only other option is a Holley 4160, they were used on OMC and Volvos after Rochester quit building Quadrajets. I like the QJet but good original cores are hard to find.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
11,841
Really depends on what intake you have as well. If it were me I’d get a 4bbl even if you have to find a pre-Vortec cast iron 12 bolt intake. Look on eBay they are out there…
 
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