Advice on correct carb for 1988 P30 Motorhome (CA emissions)

[MarshallSF]

I started work on my 1988 Airstream 290 LE yesterday to get it ready for CA smog testing. When I pulled off my air filter housing there was an Edelbrock 1406 instead of a Quadrajet (ugh).

I'm now trying to track down a replacement Rochester Quadrajet - anyone know the correct OEM model for a 1988 CA-emissions P30?

[Ethan1]

 Welcome to CHP!

 I don't think that vehicle came with a Quadrajet. I believe it came with a TBI unit. Not 100% sure.

[MarshallSF]

I think those started around 90-91 on these.

[Ethan1]

I think those started around 90-91 on these.

 I stand corrected. 17088040 is the correct part number I believe. I will have to look around a little more just to be 100% sure.

[MarshallSF]

Thanks Ethan - appreciate your help on this.  Please let me know what you find out.

[Ethan1]

Thanks Ethan - appreciate your help on this.  Please let me know what you find out.

 Wrong carb, sorry. These are correct, 17085004 M/T and 17085212 A/T. I am pretty sure.

[MarshallSF]

Looks like 17085212 is listed in the CA ARB executive order for these vehicles (EO A-6-418).  Thank you very much for your help Ethan.   

[Cliff Ruggles]

Going by memory the 17085003/004 carbs were used on the Motor Home applications in and after 1985 till they went to TBI's. 

Those carburetors have special calibrations, and are not the same castings as the truck Q-jets used in the same period.  I have a few in the core pile here, but avoid them for anything other than a motor home application......Cliff

[MarshallSF]

Hi Cliff - thanks for the information. I am seeing a 17085004 listed alongside the 17085212 in the ARB EO for my vehicle. Any idea which casting would be preferable? Today I managed to find a brand new, in-the-box 17085212 for a good price. Do you think this would be a good way to go? Would I need to update anything before using?

Thanks for your help - much appreciated.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/mdehdehdv/1988/gm_hdoe2_a0060416_4d8-5d7-7d4-7d0-6d0_6d0.pdf

[MarshallSF]

BTW - Cliff I'd love to hire you to rebuild one a proper casting for me if that's possible. However I've heard you're booked up to a year out.