Holley Carbs

[Mike Wattam <MikeWattam@domain.elided>]

Hi Elisa

Well, Holleys are possible - often recommended - for the Rover V8.  The 390
should have plenty of air-flow for a near standard engine and because of
the smaller flow passages does give much better low-down economy and torque
than a 600 anytime.  A 600 should only be fitted if you intend going beyond
around 250BHP.

Personally, I really dislike working on the tuning of Holleys because of
the stripping necessary to adjust the mixture and get emissions acceptable,
but no doubt as you are in the land where they come from, you have some
wizards who can do it with their eyes closed first time round.  Inlet
manifolds for either of the Holley carbs are available in the UK so I
expect they are also in the USA.  
Take the opportunity to also fit free-flow exhaust headers and you are
away!  

Just one thought.  Depending on where you are getting the engine from you
may find it is very detuned, for instance those used in the Range Rover and
Disco use a very mild camshaft with plenty of punch at low revs but not too
much up top.  Similarly, low compression pistons were used on RR/Disco. 
Fitting a standard SD1 camshaft or re-profiled sports cam should liberate
lots of performance for you, as would high compression pistons and solid
valve lifters.

Mike Wattam
Chairman - Triumph Stag Register