Alright guys! I got a few questions here. Lets start out with the car.

82 base model
Carter Fuel Pump
Holly FPG
OER 45mm Sidedraft
Stockport 12a
RB header
2.5" exhaust into 2 borla's



Now, what I have lying around the place is a complete spare 12a, with a blown apex. I also have a -SE 13b, but bare block, no front cover or oil pan.

I have some Half bridge 12a plates coming in the mail, and now I am caught in a bind. Should I go all out and make the -SE a 13b 4 port half bridge? Or just sticking with a 12a half? The 13b would require a different manifold ( I want to stick with side draft style) and cutting my exhaust in two parts at the block, not to mention the front cover and oil pan I have to find. If I do the 13b, I want to spend as little money as possible (budget is getting tight), without cutting corners, if that means anything, ie: reusing the OER carb, cutting exhaust, etc. But if I use the 12a, I already have everything I need. I hate making these decisions! lol

Keep in mind, I dont have a rebuild kit, so when I get a plan I have to stick with it. What would you do?

 

I voted 12a BP. Because thats the easiest way for you.

 

is the se 13b in good order?
i would use the 13b housings and rotating asembley with the 12a plates but be warned either way u chose to do it there is big cost involved for a properly built bp

also your carb will be to small 48ida or a big holly is needed

 

I have no clue how the 13b is, I have the racing beat flywheel nut socket coming in hopefully tomorrow, so I will have pics and whatnot when it comes in.

The hardest part (aside from rebuilding it) of the 13b, is finding the parts in good order and putting it in.

 

Could I modify the OER 45mm carb to work?

If it doesnt, I guess i could build the 13b/12a while i run the 12a I have in the car already. when that one pops, hopefully I will be good to go.

 

you wont know for sure till u pull the 13b to bits note
pour a lilttle bit of atf down each port to help lube the motor look through the exhaust ports and just check if all its apex seals are good for a peice of mind

 

12a 1/2 bp is cheapest i say do it.

largest chokes that'll fit a 45mm carb is 41mm. general rule is 2mm smaller radius then carb size. it'll make a little better low to midrange which is what you use on the street majority of the time anyways.

what rpm will it hit peak hp? 9400rpm? anything over 8500 requires balanced and clearanced rotating assembly, hardened stationary gears, 3 window bearings and carbon or ceramic apex if you want it to survive at that rpm.

 

with your carb I would go 12A.

 

The 45 OER is too small for either engine if you go bridge, and building a bridge, to last, on a shoestring doesn't last very long. If you want a strong street engine, build a 13B 4-port with a decent streetport.

 

heres a dumb ?? whats the diff between a 1/2 bridge and a bridge

 

Half Bridge are the front and rear irons ported, full bridge is all irons ported.

 

I dont mind spending the money. It is hard to explain, if I dont HAVE to buy a new carb, I wont. I am not the kind of guy who will "reuse the apex seals", just to save a few bucks. By no means am I going to cut corners on this engine, It would be nice to just use what I have first.