What is a "four-barrel" for an older car?

InlineFive

Diamond Member
Sep 20, 2003
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Someone mentioned that they had an old Oldsmobile with a four-barrel that had about 300HP. And I was left wondering what a four-barrel was. I think it may be a certain type of intake manifold but I'm not 100%.

What does it do?
 

I Saw OJ

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2004
4,923
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When someone says they have a four barrel, they are refering to thier carburetor, which deals directly with the intake manifold, so you werent too far off


seth
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
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76
Originally posted by: wischeez
4 barrel carburetor dude.......

yep.

4 barrel carb.

good stuff. Big FAT barrels. 4 of them.

What does it do? More air, more fuel.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
4 barrel

As opposed to a 2 barrel

More "barrels" = better metering per cylinder, allowing a better overall tune. Not to mention more fuel and air, therefor more power.
 

Jmman

Diamond Member
Dec 17, 1999
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Originally posted by: Linflas
I read the OP and felt instantly ancient. :(




Yep, I thought the same thing.

<---------- First car, 69 camaro with a 427 with a 4 barrel Holley carb
 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Originally posted by: CraigRT
Originally posted by: Need4Speed
Originally posted by: Quixfire
Tri-Power for the win. :)

no way dude....6-pack....mopar better than that GM crap

Agree.. but what about cross ram 4 barrel? :) FTW! The Max wedge engines had it.. stock 500HP from the factory... factory drag cars! :D

http://www.mmctn.com/images/mw2004_14.jpg
That's a dual quad. Not a four barrel. It'd be a four barrel if you had one carb and split it.

Edit:
old school cross ram FTW :) (until you had to change the spark plugs)
 

CVSiN

Diamond Member
Jul 19, 2004
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Originally posted by: PorBleemo
Someone mentioned that they had an old Oldsmobile with a four-barrel that had about 300HP. And I was left wondering what a four-barrel was. I think it may be a certain type of intake manifold but I'm not 100%.

What does it do?

a 4 barrel carburator....
it gives gas/air to the engine.. you know those crazy devices before fuel injection was invented?
 

CaptnKirk

Lifer
Jul 25, 2002
10,053
0
71
Brings back memories of the '60's muscle cars -

Like when '4-on-the-floor' meant a stick shift transmission with the gear shifter coming out ot the floor tower -

and not getting lucky on a double date.