This is terrible, but one of my Holley 3310's actually had a piece break off of it. One of the corners where the bolt goes through to the manifold broke off, I am guessing because the spacer between the carb and the manifold isn't even or something. The carb seems to sit on it ok, but torquing down that one nut snapped off the corner, and now there is a tremendous vacuum leak there. Has this happened to anyone else? I am wondering if there is a nice thick gasket or similar device that can help compensate for minor imperfections.

It's not uncommon at all.

It could be either the manifold or carburetor base. It's surprising how many Holley baseplates are uneven. Use a straightedge to find the offending part.

The chance for breakage can be reduced by slowly tightnening the nuts in an X-pattern.

You should be able to buy a replacement base from Holley or find a used one. Sometimes the cost of a new baseplate is not justifed compared to the cost of a completely new unit.

That is a common problem usually caused by over-tightening the carb studs. You most likely will need to replace the base plate.

In the old days you were stiuck with a Holley part for about $150 . . . now you can get one from Proform for about half that.

Thin gaskets are better to use right under the carb base.
The recipe for breaking a base is to use a thick gasket, torque one nut down very tight, then tighten the opposite corner down and SNAP!

Go easy and torque the nuts gradually, several times around evenly, and not too tight.
David

I torqued the nuts up properly, so I am assuming that either the carb base or the spacer is uneven. It is kinda hard to tell with the busted carb, but it seems to sit flush against the mainfold without the spacer there, while it has a bit of a rock to it when on the spacer. Either way, I think I am going to toss the spacer, and I will need to get another base plate. You say proform makes them? I think I will look into that, since a Holley part would likely be nearly as expensive as a whole new carb. I looked in the local papers and nobody seems to be selling a used 3310, but maybe in the next few weeks one will pop up.

i have one, $175
i can send you a bunch of pictures

Mines nearly brand new, has the quick fuel rear jet plate along with a quick change vaccuum secondary spring housing.

BreathWeapon-

I have a Bare 3310 baseplate that you can have for $20 plus shipping. You would need to install your throttle shafts and throttle plates into it.

eshalin, sounds like a plan. I am up here in Canada, but still shipping shouldn't cost too much. I will definately consider this; e-mail me at commandr@telusplanet.net and fill me in on the details. We can then start making arrangements. All I need is the bare plate, the rest can be swapped.

Drag Fabricator, I priced out a new base plate at $210 CAN, so your offer might best serve someone who doesn't already have the handy quick change parts. Thanks for the offer, however, it is certainly appreciated. smile.gif

L8ER,
BW

Any luck on that pic of the baseplate eshalin? I am eager to have a look and make arrangemts for purchase.

BW-

Sorry for the delay....I'll get a picture in the email to you tonite 10/20.

BW- I just sent you an email with a couple pics.