Hi all,
I have a 1980 LeBaron with a SL6. She's optioned down and light, so I'm looking forward to doing some interesting things with the SL6 instead of the usual 360 swap...
...but until then, I have to fix the choke on the existing carb

It's got a 1 BBL, and I suspect it to be a Holley. It's got an idle solenoid (damn!) on the back (firewall side). I've looked behind the throttle linkage for model stampings, but cannot find any besides possibly a date/time wheel. I did find some, however:

On the passenger side of the carb, I have the following:
5214801 (appears to be a Chrysler part #)
8720 1630 (or 1680 - can't quite tell).

Could anyone tell me what carb I have? Thanks!

Your carb will be a Holley #1945, with the full complement of strangulation-style calibration to squeak this car through Federal emission certification tests. You'd be much, much happier with a 2bbl setup.

Um...why does the idle solenoid piss you off?

And what problems is the choke making? Depending on which part(s) isn't/aren't working correctly, you will likely be happier installing one of the Electric choke kits (number 1274 for your carb) rather than putting any money or effort into the persnickety, nonadjustable original choke thermostat and modulator.

If what's wrong is to do with the choke pull-off, they can still be had new.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I suspected it was a 1945 but wanted to be sure, thanks!

...I would be happier with a 2 bbl setup - I've looked around quite a bit, and I really find it quite cool how much these "little" mills can put out, but I do understand why they don't do much from the factory, as they'd eat a stock (or even mildly modified) 318 up alive if set up right.

...I was also looking into the electric chokes previously - I would like one, but I'm torn between modding a 1bbl that will be replaced vs. spending the $20 for the bimetal coil (the current problem) to get the stock setup working right for the next 2-3 months before I really get to work.

Regarding the smog equipment...yeah, fun. Once the choke is confirmed working, the next step is weeding out the extra vacuum hoses/smog equipment - it's kind of funny, I am now a living witness as to why lean burn came into existence - lean burn pretty much blows, but to replace the cpu with vacuum equipment makes even more of a mess...and that's what I'm elbow deep into now! I've seen Borg with less hosing...
...and I'm just not a fan of idle solenoids (or any kind of electronic feedback) on any carb...ESPECIALLY a finicky Holley. Added complexity causes problems in the long run...hard to track down problems - and I once had a lean burn equipped Fifth Ave. I went through all kinds of fun with that idle solenoid - I eventually chopped the damn thing and fabricated an idle stop to configure by hand, like a normal carb. What it came down to was that yes, problems elsewhere in the engine can cause problems with the top end (read: feedback/regulation system). But on the flipside, all that feedback and monitoring equipment is so complex, that it causes problems with itself that just aren't worth it to keep things that way. That's what happened - the emissions equipment basically collapsed under it's own weight and age after 15 years, and it was stripped out and replaced with normal parts that did the job much better and even stayed that way! I don't like to mess around with the unnecessary...

Why I dislike idle solenoids, part II:

...I can't find the proper choke thermostat (with electronic assist). Everyone I've looked at/talked with has EVERY SINGLE OTHER THERMOSTAT FOR EVERY OTHER CARB. What the difference? A bend in the rod to go around the solenoid. Grr.

A link to what I'm talking about can be found here:
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... 74&PTSet=A

This BWD is not available. Nor is the Niehoff - I had to call to confirm.

So, next question (and hopefully a plan B):

If I remove the idle solenoid and replace it with a more intelligent stationary bracket, will one of the thermostats with the straight rod be the right length to actuate the choke properly? I know the Holley 2bbl feedback on my 5th Ave was externally identical to the "normal" 2bbl Holley in every way, save some extra electrical connections and the solenoid (which was removed).
If that were the case here with the smog 1 bbl versus the sane 1 bbl, it would work. Any thoughts?

I'm also still aware of the electric choke - if I can't get a $20 local pick up part to work, I'll spring for that. I just want to rule out the simpler solution first, as it won't be there for long. I really like that wooden intake design that's floating around - can't wait for it to be non-combustible .

those Lebarons look heavy to me. I used to know where one was around here. I just wanted the cop caps off it. It was a slant. That was back befor eI owned a slant

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick

She's 3,200 lbs - this one's a two door, no A/C, no power anything, no cruise control, and really...no options whatsoever... Lightest M Body I've come across - from what I've read, it about as heavy as the A body coupes of the early 70's (Valiant, Duster, Demon, etc).


First Chrysler I've seen with a full-on bench seat (not split at the bottom). It's like a Plymouth with a classy exterior.

Considering it's total lack of options, I'm actually kind of curious as to how many like mine were made...as I don't think there were many especially considering production #'s of the straight up coupe for 1980 - there were something like 8,000 plain LeBaron coupes made that year.

If anyone has access to numbers, this one's black and from what I can tell, has no options whatsoever...unless rear window defroster was an option.

My 5th Ave was 4,200 - a full half ton heavier, and my Cordoba's right around 4,000. It's no Miata, but it's light compared to what I'm used to

EDIT: Mine's got the caps - interesting... My 'doba's got the police rims, and dodge tri star dog dishes - was thinking about putting police rims on the LeBaron too...