Edelbrock 1801 User manual

©2010 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0170
Part #1801-1806,1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
Rev. 6/10 - AJ/mc Page 1 of 6
PLEASE study these instructions carefully before beginning this installation. Most installations can be accomplished with common tools and
procedures. However, you should be familiar with and comfortable working on your vehicle. If you do not feel comfortable performing this installation,
it is recommended to have the installation completed by a qualified mechanic. If you have any questions, please call our Technical Hotline at:
1-800-416-8628, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer. Improper installation
will void your warranty and may result in poor performance and engine or vehicle damage.
DESCRIPTION: Edelbrock Thunder Series AVS carburetors have been calibrated, factory flow-tested, and preset. These instructions also apply to
carburetors featuring our EnduraShine™ finish. Please read all instructions prior to installation. For "Theory of Operation" and "Tuning Procedures",
see the accompanying carburetor Owner's Manual. These are non-emissions carburetors, check your local emissions laws.
ATTENTION: EDELBROCK CARBURETORS ARE NOT CALIBRATED FOR OR COMPATIBLE WITH ALCOHOL RACE FUEL OR E85 PUMP FUEL.
USE OF ALCOHOL OR E85 IN YOUR EDELBROCK CARBURETOR WILL DAMAGE YOUR CARBURETOR AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY. THESE
FUELS CAN ALSO DAMAGE OTHER FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR USE WITH ALCOHOL FUELS.
NOTE: Edelbrock Thunder Series carburetors are not for computer-controlled applications. That includes some 1981 & later GM
vehicles with Q-Jet carburetor and some 1981 & later Ford vehicles with automatic overdrive (AOD) transmissions.
SPECIAL NOTE (1803 & 1804): These 500 CFM carburetors are calibrated for out-of-the-box performance on dual-quad applications ONLY. For
single-carb applications, you should use carburetor 1801 or 1802. If you already have carburetor 1803 or 1804 you can recalibrate the carburetor
prior to use. Calibration Kit #1486 contains all jets and rods necessary to recalibrate 1803 or 1804 carburetors. Edelbrock has found the following
to be a good starting point for most performance applications requiring a 500 CFM carburetor:
Primary Jet .086” (Factory setting)
Primary metering rod .065” x .052” (#1460)
Secondary Jet .095” (#1426)
Air Valve Secondary Setting 1-1/2 Turns (See Fig. 12, Page 6)
❑ 1 1/4" NPT pipe plug
❑ 1 Throttle cable ball end stud
❑ 1 10-32 Hex nut
❑ 1 3/16” Internal star washer
❑ 1 Red choke positive wire
(Electric choke carburetors only)
❑ 1 Black choke ground wire (Electric choke carburetors only)
❑ 4 5/16” SAE flat washers (EnduraShine™ finish only)
❑ 1 Installation instruction sheet
❑ 1 Owner’s Manual
❑ 1 Warranty card
❑ 1 Square-bore base gasket
❑ 1 Air horn gasket
❑ 1 Air cleaner stud
❑ 2 5/32” Vacuum caps
❑ 1 5/32” Vacuum “T”
EDELBROCK THUNDER SERIES AVS CARBURETORS
Part #1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805,
1806, 1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
❑Replace fuel filter. Dirt (i.e. corrision residue or other debris)
found in carburetor voids warranty.
❑Check and replace the air filter, if necessary.
❑Check PCV valve and replace, if clogged.
❑Check all hoses for leaks or cracks and replace, if necessary.
❑Check fuel pump for proper operation and replace, if necessary.
❑Check the intake manifold and cylinder head gaskets for leaks and
replace, if necessary.
❑Check the ignition system: clean and gap or replace spark plugs,
plug wires, and adjust ignition timing.
CHECK THE FOLLOWING BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION
WARNING: WHEN WORKING AROUND GASOLINE, ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA, AND KEEP ALL OPEN FLAMES, SPARKS AND
OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION AWAY FROM THE WORK AREA. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
KIT CONTENTS

©2010 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0170
Part #1801-1806,1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
Rev. 6/10 - AJ/mc Page 2 of 6
POWER BRAKE PORT
(Rear of Carburetor - 1/4” NPT)
MUST BE PLUGGED WITH
SUPPLIED 1/4” PIPE
PLUG IF NOT IN USE
IDLE MIXTURE SCREWS
Left side screw for left side of carburetor
Right side screw for right side of carburetor
FUEL INLET For 3/8” hose. Dual fuel inlets are
available (Supplied installed on passenger side.
May also be moved to driver side)
PART NUMBER
(Stamped on pad at front
of carburetor; Except
EnduraShine™ models)
TIMED VACUUM PORT
(3/16” - Vacuum is introduced off idle)
PCV PORT
(For 3/8” hose)
NOT FOR FUEL!
MANIFOLD VACUUM PORT
(3/16” - Vacuum is present at idle)
IDLE SPEED SCREW
AVS ADJUSTMENT
(See Page 4)
Figure 1 - Fittings and Vacuum Port Location
❑New Fuel Filter (Edelbrock #8135 or equivalent) or Fuel Line/Filter
kit such as Chrome Steel Fuel Line Kit #8134, Dual Feed Line
#8132, Dual Feed Line with blue filter #8133, or Dual Feed Line with
polished filter #8128
❑Banjo Fuel Fitting #8089 (If required for fuel line clearance)
❑New Air Cleaner (Edelbrock #1221 or #4221 recommended)
❑Air cleaner spacer #8092 (3/4”) (If using stock air cleaner)
❑Choke cable kit (manual choke carburetors)
❑Throttle Linkage Kits for Ford or Chrysler applications (see
“Carburetor Preparation” section, Step #1)
❑Electrical connectors (electric choke carburetors)
❑Carburetor adapter, for other than square-bore intake manifolds.
Do not use a 4-bbl. to 2-bbl. adapter. Edelbrock carbs must be used
on intake manifolds designed for 4-bbl. carburetor only!
❑Throttle cable, transmission, and cruise control bracket #8031 for
small-block and big-block Chevy, or #8032 for small-block Chevy
with Vortec and E-Tec intakes. Other applications may require
modification to original throttle cable bracket.
❑Universal throttle return spring kit #8005 (If original return spring
cannot be used)
PARTS RECOMMENDED FOR INSTALLATION
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
❑Sockets/wrenches/tubing wrenches
❑Pliers
❑Screwdrivers
❑Hacksaw and/or tubing cutter
❑#20 Torx Driver (for electric choke models)
❑Wire crimpers (for electric choke models)
❑Test Meter or Test Light (for electric choke models)
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

6. Do not use more than 6.5 psi fuel pressure. Excessive fuel
pressure may cause flooding. If your fuel pressure is too high,
install an adjustable pressure regulator such as Edelbrock #8190,
or #1727.
7. It may be necessary to re-route the fuel line to prevent interference
with the air cleaner. Test fit your air cleaner on your new carburetor
before you begin installation. Look for areas of interference such as
the choke housing, fuel inlet fitting and fuel line.
THUNDER SERIES CARBURETOR INSPECTION
1. Check for possible damage to carburetor.
2. Make sure all throttle linkages operate freely
3. Ensure that all fuel inlet and vacuum ports are free from packing
material.
5. You must use an Edelbrock Adapter #2732 when installing a
Thunder Series Carb on some Edelbrock manifolds (See Fig. 5) .
Refer to the instructions included with the manifold for details.
3. Always use a new fuel filter. Failure to do so will void the
warranty.
4. Edelbrock Adapter #2696 or Adapter/Fuel Line Kit #2697 must be
used when installing a Thunder Series Carburetor on a General
Motors Quadrajet or Chrysler Thermoquad manifold. #2697
includes Adapter #2696 and Fuel Line Kit #8135
(See Fig. 4) .
©2010 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0170
Part #1801-1806,1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
Rev. 6/10 - AJ/mc Page 3 of 6
BEFORE REMOVING OLD CARBURETOR
1. Determine if the distributor vacuum port is timed (no
vacuum at idle) or full (vacuum present at idle). With the
engine fully warmed up and idling, pull the vacuum hose off of the
carb and "feel" for vacuum by putting your finger on the vacuum
port
(See Fig. 2) . If your distributor has timed vacuum advance,
hook the vacuum hose from the distributor to the passenger side
vacuum port on the carburetor. If it has full vacuum advance, hook
it up to the driver's side vacuum port.
2. The stock steel fuel line must be converted to either a fuel
resistant rubber hose or one of the Edelbrock fuel line kits. The
stock steel fuel line will not connect to the Thunder Series
Carburetors. Use one of the Edelbrock Fuel Line and Filter Kits
#8133 (dual feed), #8134 and #8135 as seen on the Edelbrock
website or in the Edelbrock catalog
(See Fig. 3) .
NOTE: After cutting fuel line, remove sharp edges and clean
out any chips.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Quadrajet Adapter Kit #2697 (Do not use an open adapter!)
Fig. 5
#8133 Dual Feed
Fuel Line Kit
#8134 Fuel
Line Kit
Stock Steel
Fuel Line
Fuel Filter
Neoprene Hose
to Carburetor
Cut stock fuel line,
add 8135 ferrule
Fuel Line Kit #8135
installed on stock
steel fuel line
Square-Bore Adapter
Plate #2732
Manifold
Gasket

2. Check and prepare carburetor for proper vacuum fitting installation
(EGR, power brakes, PCV, distributor, transmission, etc.) using
supplied vacuum caps, “T”, and hose when applicable. If vacuum
port at rear of carb is not used, plug with the 1/4" pipe plug
supplied.
3. On electric choke models
(See Fig. 7) , remove one choke housing
retaining screw and install eyelet end of choke ground wire (black)
to choke housing and reinstall screw. Connect clip end of choke
ground wire to negative (–) spade terminal on choke housing.
CARBURETOR PREPARATION
1. Compare throttle arm of your new carburetor with the old one to be
sure that all required linkages will hook up. Install proper throttle
and transmission linkage for your particular application. Throttle
stud is removable and must be installed in the proper location.
Chrysler vehicles with automatic transmission will require Throttle
Lever Kit #1481. Ford vehicles with automatic transmission and
cable linkage will require Throttle Lever Kit #1483
(See Fig. 6) and
Throttle Cable Plate Kit #1490 (for 289-302), #1491 (for 351-W),
#1493 (for 351-C & 351-M/400), or #1495 (for 429/460).
CARBURETOR REMOVAL
1. Prior to removal make sure that the engine is cool.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
3. Remove air cleaner. Be sure to carefully disconnect any hoses from
the air cleaner and note their location for re-installation. You may
want to mark them with masking tape for easy reference.
4. Disconnect throttle linkage, kickdown linkage (certain automatic
transmission applications only), cruise control (if equipped) and any
return springs, if present.
NOTE: Check carefully for the precise location of all these
linkages and return springs. You may want to mark them
with masking tape for easy reference.
5. Disconnect all wires, tubes and hoses from carburetor and note
their location.
NOTE: There should be a maximum of one wire to the
electric choke and one to the idle compensator solenoid (If
applicable). Any other electrical wiring attached to your
carburetor indicates a computer controlled engine, and any
Edelbrock carburetor will not function correctly on computer
controlled applications.
6. Disconnect the heater tube from the choke housing (if so equipped).
Edelbrock carburetor do not use the hot air style choke, so this tube
may be left disconnected with no problems. If you want to cover
this opening on a stock intake manifold, you may be able to use the
appropriate Edelbrock choke adapter plate: #8901 for small-block
Chevrolets; #8961 for big-block Chevrolets; #8951 for Oldsmobile
V8s; #8971 for 351-M/400 Fords; #8981 for 351-W Fords.
7. Carefully remove fuel line from carburetor. TAKE EXTREME CARE
NOT TO SPILL ANY EXCESS FUEL. Place a rag underneath the fuel
line to absorb any spillage that may occur. Certain models require
two wrenches to remove the fuel line; one to hold the fitting on the
carburetor and the second to turn the fitting on the fuel line. Use a
tubing wrench to avoid rounding the tube fitting nut.
8. Remove mounting nuts or bolts and washers. Be sure to put them
where they won't fall into the intake manifold upon carburetor
removal.
9. Remove carburetor, being careful not to spill any dirt into the intake
manifold. Immediately place a clean rag into the manifold to keep
foreign objects out.
10. Remove old mounting gasket and thoroughly clean mounting
surface. Compare old carb gasket to gasket included with new
carburetor. If there is a difference in bolt pattern or bore spacing,
an adapter will be required (see
“Before Removing Old Carburetor” ,
section, steps #4 & #5).
©2010 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0170
Part #1801-1806,1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
Rev. 6/10 - AJ/mc Page 4 of 6
Fig. 7
Red Wire (+); To Key-On,
12V Source
(Not Coil or Alternator!)
Retaining Screws (3)
Fig. 6
Ford Throttle
Lever #1483
bolts on carb
throttle arm
Black Wire (–); To Ground (Carburetor Body)

6. Connect all vacuum hoses to their proper location on carburetor
(See Fig. 1) . Replace hoses that appear brittle or cracked to
prevent vacuum leaks.
7. Connect fuel line to carburetor. Avoid contact with any sharp edges
or areas of extreme heat.
NOTE: Some late model Ford 460 engines are equipped
with hot fuel bypass units. It is necessary to replace the
stock unit with Ford #E3TZ9N176B (with blue dot) which has
a 0.040" orifice.
8. Edelbrock idle compensator #8059 may be installed to raise idle
speed during air conditioning compressor operation.
9. Install new air horn gasket and air cleaner stud (supplied). Install
air cleaner making sure it does not contact linkage or fuel line and
has proper hood clearance. We recommend Edelbrock Pro-Flo
chrome air cleaner #1221, which is a 14" diameter open element
air cleaner that is designed to fit all Edelbrock Thunder Series
carburetors. Extremely low profile air cleaners will not fit electric
choke carburetor without air cleaner spacer #8092 (due to choke
and fuel line interference) but will fit manual choke carburetor when
used with 90° banjo fuel inlet fitting #8089
(See Fig. 10) .
5. Connect manual choke cable to the provided lever attachment point
and cable mounting bracket (manual choke models)
(See Fig. 9) .
Electric choke models connect red choke wire to 12 volt (+) source
that is activated by ignition switch (Not coil or alternator, see
Fig. 7)
.
NOTE: If manual choke is not connected (secondary carb of
dual carb set-up, for example), then choke blade must be
fixed open. To lock open, use a stiff piece of wire between
the choke lever and the mounting bracket. Fold the wire to
double its thickness about one inch from one end. Insert the
wire in the choke lever, hold choke blade in the wide open
position, and tighten cable clamp on folded end of wire.
CARBURETOR INSTALLATION
1. Remove rag from intake manifold and install new studs, mounting
gasket and adapters (where applicable).
NOTE: Do not use any cement, glue, or RTV sealant on
gasket.
2. Carefully place new carburetor on gasket.
3. Replace all mounting nuts and washers. EnduraShine™ finish
carburetors should use the supplied 5/16” flat washers under any
other washers used. Hand tighten with a short box end wrench,
alternating between diagonally opposed nuts.
CAUTION: Overtightening may break carb base and void
warranty.
4. Connect all throttle and transmission linkages and throttle return
springs. You may have to cut, bend or modify your stock throttle
cable brackets to fit the new carburetor, or use GM #352279 (See
Fig. 8) . 1972-78 small-block Chevy V8s may use Edelbrock
Throttle, Transmission, and Cruise Control bracket #8030, #8031,
#8032, or #8036 (chrome).
IMPORTANT NOTE: With engine off, make sure that there is
no interference when opening and closing the throttle. Be
sure there is no binding or hanging up between idle and
wide open throttle as this could cause the throttle to stick
open, resulting in loss of engine speed control.
©2010 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0170
Part #1801-1806,1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
Rev. 6/10 - AJ/mc Page 5 of 6
Fig. 10
Fig. 9
GM#352279
Fig. 8
Manual choke cable and
fuel line connection
Banjo Fuel Fitting #8089

©2010 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0170
Part #1801-1806,1812, 1813, 1825, 1826
Rev. 6/10 - AJ/mc Page 6 of 6
Edelbrock LLC • 2700 California St. • Torrance, CA 90503
Tech-Line: 800-416-8628 • Office Line: 310-781-2222
10. Mark air cleaner stud for proper length, remove from carburetor and
cut with hack saw. Deburr stud and re-install in carburetor
(See
Fig. 11) .
11. Re-check all linkage for smooth operation.
12. Re-connect the negative battery cable to the battery.
13. Start the engine and check for fuel or vacuum leaks. With engine at
normal operating temperature and choke fully open, set idle speed
and mixture screws (see carburetor Owner’s Manual).
CAUTION: Be alert to carburetor flooding. Flooding can be
caused by dirt, small particles of hose cuttings, floats and
inlet needles which have settled during shipping. When the
fuel pump is turned on or when the engine is first started,
watch closely for signs of flooding. If flooding occurs, turn
engine off immediately and lightly tap on the side of the
carburetor that is flooding, in the rear needle and seat area
with a rawhide mallet or wooden handle of a hammer. Start
engine and see if flooding continues, if so refer to owner’s
manual.
WARNING: NEVER POUR FUEL DIRECTLY DOWN THE
CARBURETOR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE
ENGINE! THIS MAY CAUSE A BACKFIRE AND POSSIBLE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, RESULTING IN ENGINE OR
VEHICLE DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH.
ADJUSTING THE AIR VALVE SECONDARY
1. With Torx drive (T15) and flat blade screw driver in place, loosen
Torx screw, make sure flat blade is secure to prevent loss of spring
pressure
(See Fig 12) .
2. If you lose spring pressure, turn flat blade screw counter-clockwise
until the air valve reaches closed position plus 1-1/2 turns to
achieve the factory setting.
NOTE: Turn only 1 full turn beyond closed position for
1803/1804 factory setting. For single carb applications, set
1803/1804 carburetors to 1-1/2 turns past closed position.
3. The factory setting is the most common setting. If additional tuning
is required, turn the air valve screw counter-clockwise to make the
air valve open later, it is not recommend to go beyond one turn more
than the factory setting, or more than 2-1/2 turns past the closed
position.
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Torx Flat Blade