lq4cutlass

a couple of people have told me that when the gauge heats up, it does not read right...
and i think that is my problem with the pressure...how can i double check that?

also i didnt have much gas in the tank, maybe less that a gallon..

lq4cutlass

oh and on the msd timing unit, what chip# should i use?

SMAX

iTrader: (11)

You really should have a pressure gauge mounted in a place where you can see it while driving.

If you are sure that you aren't having fuel pressure problems then try this.
Take the car out and do a wot run killing the engine at wot and putting the car in neutral to coast to a stop(obviously do this in a safe location. Now check the plugs. If it is just an issue of needing to jet up the secondaries your plugs are going to be very white. Now just go to a speed shop and get a jet kit for your carb.

lq4cutlass

thanks will try that...do you have to do that with brand new plugs? or can i do that with the plugs i have already?

Ravenous T\A

iTrader: (12)

gotta love Holley's........my Edelbrock carb was bolt and play with #2 chip with my huge cam

lq4cutlass

i have a mild cam too...and alot of people suggested the carb that i have, because how great it was...i guess it just needs some one that knows how to tune it...becuase i sure as hell don't lol

SMAX

iTrader: (11)

Just have a few sets of plugs with you, or you can have a few extras and then check a center cylinder like 2,3,4,5 and then replace it after every run. Now you can use that plug as reference for the new jetting. Make a wot run, shut down, check plugs, change jets and repeat until it is where you want it. You want the plugs to look almost the same color as a paper bag. Make sure you jet up slowly, and when it is jetted change all the plugs and you are done.

Oh yeah, bring some mechanics gloves too because those plugs and headers are gonna be hot especially in a lean condition.

Ravenous T\A

iTrader: (12)

yea Holley's require alot of tuning, they are great race carbs but U have to babysit them way to much. Carter/Edelbrock AFB style carbs are less touchy.

lq4cutlass

i think becuase i really don't know much about carbs and how they work, ill pay a pro to do it and watch and ask questions and learn...

i would hate to mess up something i have spent so much money on....i'm only 20 and got about 14k into motor, trans, and rear end

Ravenous T\A

iTrader: (12)

yea thats your best bet, sometimes us shadtree mechanics can do more harm then good I can put together a motor and wire it but when it comes to tuning it I leave that up to an expert

SMAX

iTrader: (11)

I don't think you have to baby sit a holley once you have it tuned. It is just more adjustments to really get one tuned.

I would rather have a vacuum secondary holley than an edelbrock though. It always seems like the edelbrocks don't respond to tuning. It never mattered what metering rod or spring I put in them they ran the same and the plugs always looked the same.

lq4cutlass

what chip do you guys think i should be using, one guy told me to go with 6 becuase the more timing the better?

or should i leave that to the "expert tuner"?

Ravenous T\A

iTrader: (12)

weird, never had a problem in the past with edel's, my Holley's always needed something like power valve, weather change tune for minor drop in temps (im in TX), to much work for a street driver IMHO. Had a Holley 750 DP on my 66 Chevelle 454, and a 750 Demon on my 70 GTX 440, they were more trouble to me, my 70 340 Dart & 66 Fury VIP 318 my dad's 78 Chevy'd 350 Formula all had a Carter AFB's or Edelbrocks and never and any issues with them. If u like to play with your carb alot to me get a Holley, if u wanna run and gun but are not to concerened with squeezing that last ounce of power out, get a Edel.

SMAX

iTrader: (11)

Really you should be using a computer to fine tune it.

More is not always better with timing. I would just go with the #2 or #3.

lq4cutlass

i have two on it now...seems fine..but hey what do i know? lol

one more question (sorry for all the questions, just trying to learn as much as possible)
how do i know if a coil needs changing?


Thanks SMAX & Ravenous T\A ...for all your info, i really appreciate it alot!

lq4cutlass

a computer? how so? is there a cable/program i need or something?

SMAX

iTrader: (11)

I see your point. Honestly if you really want a trouble free reliable carb a quadrajet is a great carb.

Ravenous T\A

iTrader: (12)

the edelbrock box that came with your manifold has a plug in for tuning with a little CD that came with the set-up (unless u dont have the Victor Jr' style one)

SMAX

iTrader: (11)

You need a laptop, serial data cable and the free programing software from msd call msd pro data+. It is a very easy program to use once you get it set up. Vista can be a pain with it though.

Ravenous T\A

iTrader: (12)

look like this one on the bottom left of the picture