A Brief History Lesson
Back in the good old days before computerized fuel injection, cars had carburetors to mix the right amount of fuel with air coming into the engine. General Motors manufactured a wide assortment of carburetors for both their own products and those of other brands (notably AMC, Chrysler Corp and Jeep). One of these carburetors was the Varajet II. The Varajet II was a 2 barrel carburetor optimized for 4 and 6 cylinder engines, and was installed in cars and trucks from 1979 through 1986. The Varajet II featured a progressive linkage, where increasing throttle position opened the 2nd barrel, increasing airflow to the engine.
Varajet 2SE and Varajet E2SE
The carburetors we stock include both the 2SE and E2SE models. So what's the difference?
Varajet 2SE
The 2SE is a fairly simple carburetor, with no electronics other than an electric choke. It was featured in US production cars primarily in the 1979-1980 model years. Canadian and overseas production applications continued to use the 2SE through 1987. It remains a popular conversion item for those wishing to remove the computer managed feedback mixture control in the E2SE.
Varajet E2SE
The E2SE featured a computer controlled air/fuel mixture capability. It features a mixture control solenoid that is triggered by the engine management computer. This setup was required in order to adjust the air/fuel mixture at different throttle settings with a view to reducing emissions, notably in US cars destined for the California market.
Which one do I have?
Identification of a Varajet 2SE vs. an E2SE is easy. Remove the air cleaner and look down at the top of the carburetor. An E2SE has a connector on the top for the mixture solenoid; the 2SE does not. Check out the pictures below for a visual reference.
Which one do I need?
If you are replacing an existing Varajet 2SE
If you already have a Varajet 2SE, then go with a 2SE. An E2SE will not work in your vehicle since it won't have the necessary wiring, sensors and computer to work properly.
If you are replacing an existing Varajet E2SE
If you presently have an E2SE, and if you plan on driving on public roads, you should get an E2SE in order to remain compliant with emissions regulations. If you have an off-road application (thus may be considering deleting the emissions in your vehicle) then a 2SE will bolt right up and work, with a couple of caveats:
- Since the feedback loop will be broken, the check engine light (MIL) will come on
- You will not be compliant with Federal emissions regulations pertaining to vehicles operated on the public roads, and should only operate the vehicle off-road.
- If you are in any doubt, go with an E2SE
Like to see which ones we have in stock? Use these links:
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To reply to Bill Duckworth’s question:
Although they look very similar, the Varajet II carbs we sell (2SE and E2SE) are for the GM “Iron Duke” 2.5L 151cid engine only. The GM 4.1L 250cid I6 requires a different model of Varajet II carburetor. The reason is the physical fit of the 4.1L and 2.5L carburetors are different. For one thing the throttle linkage on the 4.1 carb is on the opposite side of the carb body than the 2.5L models. We have also heard from some customers that the location of the fuel inlet port is different on the carbs for the 4.1. Although the carburetor will physically fit and will bolt on to the intake manifold, it’s not usable because the throttle linkage and (in some cases) the fuel inlet port are in the wrong place.
I am restoring a 79 Chevy C10 Bonanza with the 250 I6 engine and the Rochester Varajet 2. Trying to order a carburetor rebuild kit and can only find kits for the Varajet 2SE. Is the kit the same for both?
I am restoring a 79 Chevy C10 Bonanza with the 250 I6 engine and the Rochester Varajet 2. Trying to order a carburetor rebuild kit and can only find kits for the Varajet 2SE. Is the kit the same for both?