man, you guys do like to spend my money every question I ask I'm told to go the extra step and spend a little more

Thats ok, I probably need to hear it. I did some more looking around and I'm going to hit up the local welding supply store thats been in business since my dad was a kid. I just might get screwed at a chain store but I doubt these guys will sell me anything they don't carry parts for. Looking on their web-site I've got it narrowed down to three:

Lincoln 140 amp $600
Miller 140amp $650
Hobart 140amp $460

Nothing against lincoln but if i get that i might as well go with Miller just from what I've been told from various old guy sources . But that hobart looks nice for the price. The miller features something called auto-set where it sets the wire speed and voltage for you and says it has an easy start system for less spatter. I think the first feature is totally worthless as I can learn how to set my welder, the anti-spatter i think i can live without too.

I think i'm going to leave the deciding factor to expandibilty though, if any can add a spool gun easily I will probably choose that model but I will wait until i talk to the guys at the shop. As far as when i will use it: asap, i am putting exhaust on my truck in the next couple weeks. I will also need it to shove that 472ci in the 59 volvo later on so it will see alot of use.

Thanks for all the opinions guys, I have enough money to spend on a good welder I just wanted a new carb too, oh well- the carb i have is decent and i can live with it for a while.