New carburetor
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
New carburetor
Hello all you corvette fans.....I am new to the organization and had a quick question that all of you probably know, but a newbie like me needs some help- much appreciated in advance. I have a stock carburetor on my '81 and I need to replace it. With no concerns for emissions- what kind (Holley, Edelbrock) can i put on there to improve perfomance and what adjustments do I need to make with changing it....adjustment plate, etc. Thanks in advance for the help- you'll probably get sick of me by the end of this discussion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
Well, its a bit more complicated than that. The 81 is a one year only system, the carb, ecm and distributor all have the be there together to work. If the carb is not complet trashed, rebuild it. Depending on what you want the car to do, your $$ could be better spent on duals, headers, and a bumpier cam for substantial HP gains. Few more $$ and AFR heads will get you a lot more.
So, what do you want the car to do?
So, what do you want the car to do?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
Thanks for the info. As for now, I just want the car to run better since it can't get over 50mph- the barrels aren't opening properly- the choke is stuck i think- mainly because i can't see them open and the light is constantly on. I was wanting to put a holley carb w/ new manifold, but if i can't- then i can't.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Hmm, ok, I would then recommend a rebuild or at least a cleanup and fix up on the carb by a reliable mechanic. A serious tuneup and then see where you are. That carb is about a 650 cfm carb and could realistically support a ~300hm engine. The ECM can keep up with the changes required by a better breathing system (cam, heads and exhaust) you can get all that done for under $2k and would be a pretty good kick in the pants.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I don't blame you for wanting to change the carb, however carb tuning is an art that even the most experienced wrenchers will defer to experts. If you want to do the work yourself, I suggest using the search function and reading all the info you can before you go any further.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
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From: Connecticut
If you beleive the choke is stuck (Closed, I would presume) then wire it open and see how it performs
Are you getting black smoke from the exhaust at an idle or when you rev it at a stand still...?
Are you getting black smoke from the exhaust at an idle or when you rev it at a stand still...?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Thats a temp thing to figure out if it is the problem. Start with the engine cold, see if the choke is closed.(remove the top of the air cleaner and look.) warm it up completely, pop the gas pedal and it should idle down to normal, look again, is the choke open now? If it is not, use a piece of wire on the side to hold it open (you have to remove the air cleaner to do this) Or just go ahead and fix it to avoid the Bubba tag. The choke is electric, check for power to it, use a voltmeter. The choke control is on the pass side, round black thing with a wire connected to it.
Give me a call if you want, I'll walk you thru come checks. 561 573 0509
Danny
Give me a call if you want, I'll walk you thru come checks. 561 573 0509
Danny
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
The choke is electric, check for power to it, use a voltmeter.
Take the top off of the air cleaner, take note of the choke position, turn the key to ON and then watch for the choke to move to the open position
Should take less than a minute or so.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
Thanks for the advice. The choke isn't working- and I see what you mean by the wire on it- got it going for now. Think I'm just going to get a refurbished one since it's only $275. Thanks again....you guys are awesome.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by surgn
Think I'm just going to get a refurbished one since it's only $275. Thanks again....you guys are awesome.
Do a little research on this forum and you will understand why
Try and find a local rebuilder with a good reputation and have them rebuild it
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
Hey guys- thanks a lot for the advice....which I'm going to take and we're going to rebuild my Q4. I know have to find the right kit...on another site I found a kit on http://carbs.partschoice.com/HTML/SuperKits/SK01.htm
Is this the right kit for my '81 or do you know of a better kit that I don't know of? Thanks again in advance.
Is this the right kit for my '81 or do you know of a better kit that I don't know of? Thanks again in advance.