I have a 1989 motor that I am switching to vortec because my heads are shot. Here is my problem: On all the vortec intake manifolds you need an electric choke. I am doing this on a budget so I need to stay with the stock q-jet this year. My q-jet has a heat activated choke. What can be done? can I get an electric choke, can I run without it? any ideas??? I boat on long island. in about 75-85 degree weather, if it matters.

Thanks Harry

Simple, take the choke off

You've got 3 options:
1) remove it
2) Mount a divorced choke on the vortech manifold (available through summit/jegs/etc)
3) Add an electric choke (summit/jegs/carb shop/junkyard/etc).
Any of the above options should be under $30.
Gary

I would rather just take it off then. What problems will I most likely have other than a hard start?
oh and thanks

Not a big deal. Just wire it so the choke stays wide open.
You'll just have a rougher cold idle for the first few minutes. Most boaters I know let their engines warm up at a slightly higher rpm anyway.
You also may find you have to pump the throttles a couple times to pump a little extra fuel at startup.
Gary

I took the choke plate and linkage off my q-jet. Even in 50 degree weather, with about 5-6 pumps of the throttle and off she goes. Take it to a high idle after oil pressure comes up and let it warm up about 10 minutes. I had the heat riser passages in the manifold block off also, no problem even in Michigan.

Can you get a spread bore intake manifold for a vortec? The cost of a new intake manifold will proably negate the cost of a used marine carb. Something to think about.

Just bolt on a electric choke coil wire off the alt or oil press switch easy to do

Did the same as whiteknuckles, works great. It may have actually improved performance slightly. Smoother air flow into the primaries, can't hurt.