Which to use 1974: 7044212 or 1977: 17057202 on 1972 Chevy Big Block

[Dennis S]

Hi,
Just got a 17057202 carburetor from a friend.  Was thinking of using this on an Edelbrock 7164 performer RPM intake.  I also have a 7044212 carb with the divorced choke that the 7164 has provisions for.  From what I've read, the 17057202 should be a better performer, but I don't think the hot air choke will work on this manifold.  Can I convert the hot air choke to a divorced choke, or would I be better off converting it to an electric choke? 
Am I correct in my understanding that the 17057202 will perform better, or easier to modify for performance?

Thanks,
Dennis

[Ethan1]

Hi,
Just got a 17057202 carburetor from a friend.  Was thinking of using this on an Edelbrock 7164 performer RPM intake.  I also have a 7044212 carb with the divorced choke that the 7164 has provisions for.  From what I've read, the 17057202 should be a better performer, but I don't think the hot air choke will work on this manifold.  Can I convert the hot air choke to a divorced choke, or would I be better off converting it to an electric choke? 
Am I correct in my understanding that the 17057202 will perform better, or easier to modify for performance?

Thanks,
Dennis

 Welcome to CHP!

 You would be correct about the 17057202. I would go with that for modifying.

[Dennis S]

Thanks, but what about the choke question? Can I convert it to a divorced choke or should I convert it to an electric choke

[Ethan1]

Thanks, but what about the choke question? Can I convert it to a divorced choke or should I convert it to an electric choke

 I would. You can get your E/C kit from Cliff.

[carmantx]

The 7202 will provide some easier APT tuning if you knock out the plug and set it up to adjust through the air horn.  I agree with Ethan, the electric choke conversion is the way to go if you want a choke.

[Dennis S]

Great!  I haven't tore into this carb yet, so I'm not familiar with this modification.  I just ordered Cliff's book.  Is this change described in his book?
Thanks for the responses!

[omaha]

...the book will answer all of your questions. You'll be amazed!!...and the photography make things nice and clear.

[Dennis S]

Sounds good!
Thanks!

[Ethan1]

...the book will answer all of your questions. You'll be amazed!!...and the photography make things nice and clear.

 What he said.

[Cliff Ruggles]

For sure I would use the 17057202 and convert it to E-choke.  It will need a little tuning help being a later carb, emission calibrated and small block application, but the end result will be excellent.

We can supply the rebuild and tuning parts for it, plus the e-choke conversion.  Just need to know what's been done to the big block, compression, cam, etc?.....Cliff

[Dennis S]

Thanks for the response!  This is a great forum!
Cliff, just going through your book right now getting familiar with the modifications.  Haven't taken the carb apart yet.
I will definitely go with the electric choke from you, as well as the rebuild kit.
It's going on a '72 low compression (8.5/1) 402.  However, I hope to increase the compression to 10/1, and install a Lunati  10110701 Voodoo cam; duration (int/exh) 256/262, duration @.050 (int/exh) 213/219, gross valve lift (int/exh) .515/.530. 
Intake will be a edelbrock 7164 performer rpm, stock stall converter, 3:31 rear axle.
Haven't got through the entire book yet, which recipe would you recommend for this setup? 
Does this combo sound good?

[Cliff Ruggles]

That cam would be WAY too smaller for the 402 with that much compression.  You would need a much larger cam to manage pump fuel in the 402, something around 280/290, 224/234 on a 112 or even 114LSA.....Cliff

[Dennis S]

Good to know.  If I kept the compression at 8.5/1 would it be a decent cam?  Not looking to race it at the strip, but I'd like it to perform decently.  Also interested in the appropriate recipe.

Thanks

[Cliff Ruggles]

It's still WAY to small.  A stock Chevy 350 cam had 274 degrees seat timing, and most stock big block cams were close to 300 degrees, and wide 115LSA.  That cam would be a complete TURD in a BBC engine build at any compression ratio.  You'd be better off with a stock replacement 396/427/454 cam from Speed Pro vs that little Vodoo grind, IMHO.....Cliff