[bry593]

You'll want a 1969-1974 iron intake (should be a date cast in). These have the mounting pad for the divorced choke coil that is used on Quadrajet 70 series carbs from 1969-1974. You definitely don't want to use a 170 series carb (1975-late 80's) on an early intake and vice versa, else your choke will not work.

I do not recommend the hot air intake from 1975-1980ish. That choke style is terrible. You can convert an early 170 series carb to the later electric choke ($45), but you need to plug up the hot air passage on the intake manifold.

So, focus on finding a 1969-1974 manifold and Quadrajet. These work really well unless you buy a Quadrajet from a rebuilder. Rebuilders do all sorts of stupid things and it's a gamble. Best to buy an untouched original at a swap meet and rebuild it yourself.

When looking for a good Quad rebuilder, the main thing is to look for a downward bend at the front of the carb mounting holes. A lot of people went full shade monkey and hammer torqued the screws. This squishes the airhorn and the zinc carb body. Basically smashes it into a frowny face shape. Avoid these as they are pretty much junk.

Another common Quad issue is corrosion in the bowl/main body. Gasohol will screw up everything once it begins to decompose.

As a manifold alternative, you can pick up an old school Weiand or Edelbrock spread bore aluminum manifold. Just be sure it includes the little piece that the choke coil mounts to. Be sure to check for stripped threads and corroded water neck mount. If you paint the aluminum orange, most won't notice it isn't original.