Newbie Question!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Newbie Question!
Hi guys.
I've been lurking a while, and enjoying your discussions while being in awe of your combined knowlege! In February, I imported a 1974 L48 Auto Convertible into New Zealand. I've had varying advice on what to do with the car regarding the engine (there were a heck of a lot of parts missing from all over the car). It has the original engine with a 1978 q-jet. One guy says get rid of the smog gear and put a new manifold and carb on because the q-jets don't run right without it, and another says it will be fine and to just block the egr stuff, etc, off. Just wondering what your thoughts were? I don't have a huge budget. I just want a fairly original cruiser.
It's quite frustrating because of all the stuff that's missing, although I knew that when I bought it. And the cost of shipping and exchange rate don't do me any favors either. Then there's the mismatched parts! For example, I got around to looking at the p/s pump last night and found that it's off a late 60's GTO! The radiator is a 77 manual trans one, the shroud is the same, the bumper covers are 76 or later (they chopped the front one to fit), the list goes on! At least it came with new interior parts, no rust and straight body. The engine's been recon'd as well.
So, I'll be making a nuisance of myself with all sorts of dumb questions over the next couple of years or so!
Cheers
Grant Magrath
I've been lurking a while, and enjoying your discussions while being in awe of your combined knowlege! In February, I imported a 1974 L48 Auto Convertible into New Zealand. I've had varying advice on what to do with the car regarding the engine (there were a heck of a lot of parts missing from all over the car). It has the original engine with a 1978 q-jet. One guy says get rid of the smog gear and put a new manifold and carb on because the q-jets don't run right without it, and another says it will be fine and to just block the egr stuff, etc, off. Just wondering what your thoughts were? I don't have a huge budget. I just want a fairly original cruiser.
It's quite frustrating because of all the stuff that's missing, although I knew that when I bought it. And the cost of shipping and exchange rate don't do me any favors either. Then there's the mismatched parts! For example, I got around to looking at the p/s pump last night and found that it's off a late 60's GTO! The radiator is a 77 manual trans one, the shroud is the same, the bumper covers are 76 or later (they chopped the front one to fit), the list goes on! At least it came with new interior parts, no rust and straight body. The engine's been recon'd as well.
So, I'll be making a nuisance of myself with all sorts of dumb questions over the next couple of years or so!
Cheers
Grant Magrath
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Since your from me Mums hometown, I'll answer. Keep the Carb you have.
Read up on the papers that Lars took the time to write. DO a search for Carb tuning by Lars. Mis matched components will be ok for a driver esp if you are on a budget. No one will be looking under the bonnet while your tooling along.
Enjoy driving it as much as possible & try to avoid the,while I'm at it pitfall.
Might just come visit family this Christmas.
Read up on the papers that Lars took the time to write. DO a search for Carb tuning by Lars. Mis matched components will be ok for a driver esp if you are on a budget. No one will be looking under the bonnet while your tooling along.
Enjoy driving it as much as possible & try to avoid the,while I'm at it pitfall.
Might just come visit family this Christmas.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Thanks mate! You're a champion!
I've checked out some of Lar's stuff, but just briefly. I need to sit down and nut it out. I'm not too concerned with the mismatched stuff because as you said, it's a driver. And I can always get correct bits down the track. I work on The Breeze radio station here in Christchurch, so I can pass on a message to your mum for you! Be great to say hello.
Cheers
Grant
I've checked out some of Lar's stuff, but just briefly. I need to sit down and nut it out. I'm not too concerned with the mismatched stuff because as you said, it's a driver. And I can always get correct bits down the track. I work on The Breeze radio station here in Christchurch, so I can pass on a message to your mum for you! Be great to say hello.
Cheers
Grant
