Manuel Choke or Electric Choke and Why?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Paladin

"Teufelshunde"
Joined
Jan 1, 2018
Posts
1,726
Reaction score
6,059
Location
Wichita Falls, Texas
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C30 Silverado Crew Cab Dually
Engine Size
468
Looking for some input on this as I'm about ready to finish up the Holley 750 4160 Series rebuild. Which type choke do you personally prefer and why? What are the pros and cons of each type and why? I have researched this online but would like to hear what you guys and gals have to say on the matter. In other words, input from people who put into practice what they preach and know what they are talking about! Thanks in advance for any input.
 

idahovette

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2016
Posts
6,452
Reaction score
13,786
Location
Weiser Idaho
First Name
Perry
Truck Year
1975-1979
Truck Model
K20-K10
Engine Size
350
Just had to do it didn't ya Derek!
 

1987 GMC Jimmy

Automobile Hoarder
Joined
Jan 23, 2016
Posts
5,848
Reaction score
2,387
Location
Mississippi
First Name
Jesse
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
V1500 Jimmy
Engine Size
350
I’d say electric on a “newer” vehicle with no provisions for a choke lever. I like the circuit taking care of everything for me and not having to worry about it. Plus, I’m usually driving in cutthroat, urban conditions so the less I have to fiddle with the better. Now, if this was a 1947 Chevy 3100, I’d be singing a different tune. I think the aesthetics of the manual choke would be appropriate to preserve in a setup like that.
 

yevgenievich

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Posts
4,781
Reaction score
3,300
Location
Texas
First Name
Viktor
Truck Year
sad
Truck Model
very sad
Engine Size
less sad
Electric can take some time to set up
 

Big Chip

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2017
Posts
4,656
Reaction score
6,728
Location
Michigan
First Name
Kevin
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
C35
Engine Size
454
First off, it's really involved to carry a Mexican around just to help with cold starts.
Americans don’t want to do that job. That’s what I’m told anyway.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
28,966
Reaction score
23,482
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
I actually prefer the heat stove type chokes.

But electric chokes can be nice (or sometimes annoying) and manual chokes get the job done too. Really though, depending on what the truck is used for, no choke at all can work fine too.
 

Paladin

"Teufelshunde"
Joined
Jan 1, 2018
Posts
1,726
Reaction score
6,059
Location
Wichita Falls, Texas
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C30 Silverado Crew Cab Dually
Engine Size
468
Finally finished the rebuild and decided to go with an electric choke on this just to check it out, Have always went "ole school" with a manual on my dually so seeing as how this rebuild was a learning experience now I'll find out which one I prefer between the two!:cheers:
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
28,966
Reaction score
23,482
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
Two things:

Remove those clear sight plugs until you actually install the carb. I've had them turn to crud, just while sitting on the shelf. It sucks when pieces fall into the bowls.

Please don't use that air cleaner for anything other than decoration or keeping dust out of the carb while sitting. One backfire can light that filter element and cause an engine fire.
 

Paladin

"Teufelshunde"
Joined
Jan 1, 2018
Posts
1,726
Reaction score
6,059
Location
Wichita Falls, Texas
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C30 Silverado Crew Cab Dually
Engine Size
468
Two things:

Remove those clear sight plugs until you actually install the carb. I've had them turn to crud, just while sitting on the shelf. It sucks when pieces fall into the bowls.

Please don't use that air cleaner for anything other than decoration or keeping dust out of the carb while sitting. One backfire can light that filter element and cause an engine fire.

Thanks for the advise. Wasn't aware about the sight plugs and yes I'm just using that Edelbrock Ram-Flo air cleaner as a dust cover. That's all they are good for but it was a freebee. When installed it will be wearing a Double Barrel Shotgun Scoop!
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
28,966
Reaction score
23,482
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
It's funny, I have one of those Eddy air cleaners that was a freebie too. And it also just gets used as a dust cover.
 

fussfeld

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Posts
340
Reaction score
54
Location
east coast
First Name
j
Truck Year
83
Truck Model
c-10
Engine Size
4.3 v-6 262CID
Any style can work well. i prefer electric because i think it's the simplest. However, i've had heat stove and manual and they all can and do work well.

i think the biggest thing about manual is finding a cable that works and doesn't bind.

Actually, you are in Texas, so why do you even need a choke?
 

DoubleDingo

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2012
Posts
10,019
Reaction score
14,166
Location
Right where I am
First Name
Bagoomba
Truck Year
1981, 1965
Truck Model
81-C20 Silverado Camper Special-TH400-4.10s; 65-C20 with 4:57 gears and Borg Warner Overdrive
Engine Size
Carb'ed Vortec 350; 1972 L48 350

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
41,857
Posts
903,631
Members
33,370
Latest member
mitchell1128
Top