Expert: Brad Sears - 2/11/2010

Question
Last year I purchased (Darla), my first restore job.  I'm not planning on doing a complete original restoration because I know that I'm going to make mistakes anyway and I just want to have fun with it and not stress if it doesn't turn out perfect. She's got a 307 numbers matching 68 block with 350 heads, edelbrock 750 carb. I installed a th400 three speed auto (that I'm in love with).  I'm probably never going to take her to the track but I would like to put some riceburners in their place every now and then.  Here's my problems; She stalls every now and then when you drop the hammer from a stop.  Some are saying that my carb is too big for the 307.  If that's true what size carb would go well with Darla's configuration?  Also, the rearend seems like it's geared low.  What would be a good gear ratio where I'm still fast off the line but also keeping the RPM's low on the highway?  Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Ok, as it says in my bio on this site about what kinds of questions that I am comfortable answering modifications are not really my bag, but automotive technology is. Now with that said lets see if we can unravel your situation. The Edelbrock carburetor is an after market as the Rochester would have been the factory for a GM car. Now before we go any further answer a question for me. Does the Edelbrock carburetor have mechanical secondary (the back two barrels) operated throttle plates? That means will the back two barrels open when the engine is not running and the choke held open when the throttle is mashed? Let me know.
Brad