Quadrejet Rebuilder Needed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Quadrejet Rebuilder Needed
Local dealer/restorer rebuilt my stock QJet from my '72, but when we installed/tested, there was play in the throttle shafts so we put on a Holley (for now). Not really confident in my local restorer and what they may have done (or not done) to my carb. Anyway, it may be perfectly rebuilt and rejetted and just needs rebushing for the shafts. Who is a reputable source out there to rebuild and dial it in for me?
and ...as the car is not fully stock (mild cam cam/10:1 pistons/performer manifold/headers), is it worth my trouble to have it rebushed and installed? My goal is a reliable, easy starting, smooth running (and idling) car....that also has more scoot than the stock 200hp it cam with.
I had heard Lars name all over the forum but also read he is not doing any carbs till he gets his car rebuilt.
Thanks!!!
and ...as the car is not fully stock (mild cam cam/10:1 pistons/performer manifold/headers), is it worth my trouble to have it rebushed and installed? My goal is a reliable, easy starting, smooth running (and idling) car....that also has more scoot than the stock 200hp it cam with.
I had heard Lars name all over the forum but also read he is not doing any carbs till he gets his car rebuilt.
Thanks!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
I dont think you can send a QJ out for rebuild and get it back and expect it to run perfect if your engine has been modified
I believe the rebuilder needs to have it on the car to tune it properly
I believe the rebuilder needs to have it on the car to tune it properly
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 161
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I'm ok with "tuning" it on the car after it gets back if it is has been solidly rebuilt and repaired. So many vendors and wannabe's and unreliable unethical folks out there...(not on this forum), but anybody can write an ad boasting their expertise and put it in Hemmings, right.
Looking for a good solid "I do what I say I'm gonna do" guy (or shop)
Looking for a good solid "I do what I say I'm gonna do" guy (or shop)
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
If you want your throttle shafts rebushed, a good local machine shop will have the right equipment and knowledge. Then any shop that has and can use a dyno can dial it in for you.
More often than not, the two specialties don't mix.
More often than not, the two specialties don't mix.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by noonie
If you want your throttle shafts rebushed, a good local machine shop will have the right equipment and knowledge. Then any shop that has and can use a dyno can dial it in for you.
More often than not, the two specialties don't mix.
More often than not, the two specialties don't mix.
I dont think you need a dyno to tweak a carb
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Originally Posted by Bob Onit
The only shop around my area with a dyno charges $500 per test
I dont think you need a dyno to tweak a carb
I dont think you need a dyno to tweak a carb
"Tweak" is a subjective term.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by noonie
Sounds like they can cash in, being the only shop.
"Tweak" is a subjective term.
"Tweak" is a subjective term.
Tweak tune... whatever you want to call it...
As I said before , Im really just starting to learn abouts the QJets so forgive me If Im mistaken
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Make sure your timing etc is perfect first.
The cheapest way to tweak a carb is to use a vacumn gauge and read your plugs at different rpms.
The next best is to use an a/f meter with readings throughout the rpm range.
A dyno is only needed in addition to read your hp/torque to get it "perfect", but the dyno guy has to be very good.
QJ's are probably the easiest to dial in, with weber's at the other end of the spectrum being infinitely adjustable.
It's not uncommon to dismantle a carb a dozen times to get it right.
The cheapest way to tweak a carb is to use a vacumn gauge and read your plugs at different rpms.
The next best is to use an a/f meter with readings throughout the rpm range.
A dyno is only needed in addition to read your hp/torque to get it "perfect", but the dyno guy has to be very good.
QJ's are probably the easiest to dial in, with weber's at the other end of the spectrum being infinitely adjustable.
It's not uncommon to dismantle a carb a dozen times to get it right.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 161
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I'm sorry, I have misled you all... I am not a mechanic... I will HAVE somebody local due the fine tuning...
Still looking for a good rebuild shop first who can restore/bushings etc.
I'd like it to be 100% good as new restored, then I can take it to a trusted local mechanic and dial her in..
Thanks for all the info so far..
Still looking for a good rebuild shop first who can restore/bushings etc.
I'd like it to be 100% good as new restored, then I can take it to a trusted local mechanic and dial her in..
Thanks for all the info so far..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If Lars can't do it, I have had good luck with The Carburetor Shop in Ontario California. They do nice work. Used to be featured in Car Craft, Hot Rod, etc. rebuilds. Had them do one for a customers '80 Trans Am and it was perfect right out of the box. Some tuning may be necessary of course, but they will do it right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by noonie
QJ's are probably the easiest to dial in, with weber's at the other end of the spectrum
Holley has made it very simple to tune.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Kingman Arizona
Q'jet rebuid
My Name is Ron Hampton and I wanted pass along to you an old fella that done my Q jet here in Kingman Az.. He will talk your head off but I thought he did a nice job on mine.. He is over 80 years old and wears a cholestemy bag .I had to because mine had stripped threads for the filter housing. Mine also had bad bushings (he made new ones & installed them) warped body, bent metering rod, linkage that would never open secondaries etc etc.. His number is 928 753 1581 and name is Emmett Goodwin 2330 Kingman Az.... He charged me $65.00 I brought it home and mounted it and it started easily and idled perfectly So if your desparate you can give it a try..My email is rcsron@hotmail.com
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Originally Posted by Bob Onit
I dont know about the Webers, but in my experience the Holley Street Avenger is setup in such a way that even a politician could tune it (providing he can read)
And if he can't tune it, he will spend your money to have someone else do it
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Thanks for the lead on the 80 year old guy...what if he dies during my rebuild, will my carb be tied up in escrow?
I do agree that many times it is the one man band old timers that do the best (and cheapest) work.
I do agree that many times it is the one man band old timers that do the best (and cheapest) work.