Cold idle issue
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Weston Floida
Cold idle issue
I have a 1966 BB. The car starts fine and the engine speed rises after start to about 1,300 rpm. I usually let it run a couple of minutes at that speed and then quickly press the accelerator to bring the speed down. However, at this point the idle drops to about 500 and stalls out (unless I keep my foot on the gas). So I try to drive it to warm it but for the first few miles the idle is still slow and sometimes the engine will die at a stop light. Once the car is warm the idle is at 800 or so and all is fine.
Is there an adjustment on the carb I can make? Thanks.
Is there an adjustment on the carb I can make? Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
I have a 1966 BB. The car starts fine and the engine speed rises after start to about 1,300 rpm. I usually let it run a couple of minutes at that speed and then quickly press the accelerator to bring the speed down. However, at this point the idle drops to about 500 and stalls out (unless I keep my foot on the gas). So I try to drive it to warm it but for the first few miles the idle is still slow and sometimes the engine will die at a stop light. Once the car is warm the idle is at 800 or so and all is fine.
Is there an adjustment on the carb I can make? Thanks.
Is there an adjustment on the carb I can make? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
I know the feeling. I have a 383 stroker with a new Holley street avenger 770. I have adjusted the choke and fast idle cam. But no matter what, the motor will not run good until it reaches at least 120 degrees. Then it runs like a rocket. So a long warm-up is the only way to get going. 
Not like the daily drivers, no warm-up necessary.
Not like the daily drivers, no warm-up necessary.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
2,600 RPM sounds too fast for the fast idle. I use a solonoid to set mine (no choke), and have it set at ~1,250 and even that seems a bit fast.
Does anyone know what the stock fast idle should be on a 327/350 hp?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
That's where mine is set. Was at 1800 rpm but I felt that was too high so set it at about 1200-1300. Will stay there until warmed up and I kick it down.
