As the title says Roger i am Grumpy. Why ? well let me tell you. I was brought up in a world where it was a dog eat dog world and i was wearing milk bone underware. I guess i just expect too much from people places and things in this world.

As for the vette, i expected better than what i got when i built this car. Dont get me wrong, i love the car just hate the issues with it. First off Companies that cant build automotive parts shouldnt. Same goes for PIZZA places, i cant remember when i had a good pie? Now back to the rant. I have had bad luck with the induction on this car since day one, it worked great on the dyno but wont run in the car, WTF. I have since removed the intake and installed gaskets with the heat riser block off, the carb is at my engine builders getting the float lowered and the needle and seat looked at. The pump is an Eddy 110 mech pump and should not be blowing the needle off the seat. The intake and carb was seriously hot and boiling the fuel when i shut the car off it would flood like hell, and would not run when you kicked open the 4bbl. I would of hoped for better coming from Edelbrock. If this last attempt to get this bastard running fails, i will be ordering a Holley and shipping this carb back to Edelbrock for them to shove up their A$$es. Its not even about the money at this point, hell i make good money and will continue to toss more money blindly into this 30 yr old wonder bucket from GM. The Vette was the king of all muscle cars back in the day,we all had a hard on for one as teenagers, it did all the things you needed it too. It went fast turned well and stopped on a dime. The key factor was that unless you came from a well to do family you couldnt afford one and were forced to travel in a drum brake car with standard steering and a pathetic 283. So now a days with all the aftermarket clowns out there peddling their wears, its easy to get caught up in a world of trickery and lies. They all make claims but seldom deliver. But we sort through it as best we can and try to help each other to not get taken advantage of by others. I was able to learn enough to make my car handle a bit better and steer and stop like it should. The drive train is a whole other world with endless possibilities to suit your fancy. All i wanted was a 350 Hp 350 something to get in and drive with no problems? well i guess i got it, but it just hates me and wants to **** me off on a daily basis till i threaten it with an auction sale or total it off in a car accident. OOPS did i say that out loud? I want to be able to enjoy this car, i am proud of the rebuild i did in a 2 year period, and the fact that i took the time to do it right and not cut corners. I only hope this car smartens up and shows me the respect i deserve?

When we are off the subject of the sore spot leaking oil in the garage, i am one hell of a nice guy to know.

 

I got $135 for my Edelbrock carb at a fleamarket this fall. Dump the Edelbrock and go for the Holley.

BTW, Good rant!

 

Grumpy, sorry to hear you have had so many problems with the car. I am sure once they get sorted out you can enjoy it. You deserve it!! the car looks great. I wish mine looked half as good as your car does.

Larry

 

These cars make us all grumpy at one time or another. I've spent the last five years getting mine reliable and to a point where I enjoy driving. I have not gone to the depths that you have with a frame off, but once you get that carb figured out, you're going to love driving. I've had so much fun this summer just jumping into mine and driving whenever I want. Sounds like your getting very close -- it will be worth all the anguish!

 

Just get a properly re-built Q-Jet. Your problems will go away.

 

I had one, i bought it from a vendor who will remane nameless, and it was a pile of crap so it goes on the swap meet table next year.

 

I have to disagree. A good one will solve your problems.

 

I have allreday swapped the QJ intake back to the EPS intake that the motor was dynoed with so i am leaving it this way. Like i said it will be the eddy carb or a holley from here on in.

 

Love the rant!!!

 

Put a stock, mechanical fuel pump on it.

 

Personally I love your energy and at the same time feel your pain! I think its time for a beer!
Scott

 

I put a Holley on my GM Fast burn crate motor and ditched the Edlebrock. This eliminated many issues. Use Lars Carb sheet for set up and you'll be good to go. I had a high performance pump on the motor and switched back to stock pump. Go with stock pump, the pump is good for a motor that puts out 400 to 425 HP

Holley Best carb out there if you set it up right. It won't be right out of the box.

 

Nothing wrong with the pump you have, but you might need to put a regulator on it. You already know what happens with too much pressure. And, on the Q-Jet issue, before I would 'pitch' a Q-Jet [for a Holley], I'd tear it down myself and find what stupid mistakes the rebuilder (or manufacturer) made or what damage the carb had sustained. Since it is relatively new, and assuming that it was set up correctly when you got it, you shouldn't have to do too much to find any significant problems. You may also need a carb insulator plate/spacer for your setup [to prevent boiling the fuel]. I wish you success with your next effort.

 

Nice rant! I just convinced my self that is something is not wrong there is a problem.

 

Grumpy, have you ever thought about joining a book club?

 

I'm thinking Grumpy should join a bowling team.

Lars

 

Just switch to fuel injection. It'll support the 502 that you'll go to next better anyways. The exchange rate is currently favourable for you as well

And yes, I'm grumpy too.

 

Did you install intake gaskets that block off the heat riser?

If not, you may want to try this as it will help keep the heat away from the carb and reduce your fuel boiling while improving power due to a cooler/denser intake charge. Warm up will take a bit longer.

As an added bonus, if you have a painted manifold, you won't cook the paint off.

 

Me and clubs?? Thats a whole other rant lolol. And yes Toddalin i did install the heat riser block of felpro gaskets this time. Thank you for all the replies and compliments on the car etc, This is a great site with great people, i am glad to be a part of it.

 

The holley carb is honestly a great carb. I love mine....

it took 3-5 minutes of playing with it and voila! best carb ever.