Getting ready to install my new Edelbrock 1805 (took off a q-jet) on to my edelbrock intake, but have a couple of questions.

What do you guys recommend I torq the bolts too when bolting the carb onto the intake?

The gasket looks a little thick compared to the wall of the intake. Has anybody ever trimmed it, or just leave it as it comes?

This is my first carb install, and I am not opposed to help. Any tips or suggestions on this install / tuning is accepted.

Thanks in advance,
Greg

not real tight. Easy to bend a carb. Use internal star washers. I tighten them with the my hand on the "ball" of the socket wrench, not the handle, snug plus a little. Install the gasket dry. As long as the gasket doesn't overhang the throttle bores on the carb it's ok, if it does get a different gasket. Don't sweat it if it overhang the manifold holes, tho it shouldn't. Be sure to use a good double return spring, and make sure it's not stretched too tight at idle. Have a helper floor the throttle and adjust the linkage so it opens all the way, open the choke by hand first or the secondaries will be locked out. Make sure the trans kickdown linkage is adjusted properly, maybe check the link or cable on the old carb before you take it apart.

Also, I'd highly recommend popping the top off the carb and checking the float level and drop before you use it. This is easy to do on the edelbrocks, instructions are in the manual that came with the carb. Preset the idle mixture screws at 3/4 turn out from lightly bottomed, then peak them for best vacuum at idle, edelbrock mix screws are touchy, adjust 1/8 turn at a time, both screws, first in, then again, then back out if the vacuum reading didn't go up.

If you plan on messing with your distributor, do it later, only make one change (carb) at a time.