C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

81 carb and dizzy help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 09:53 PM
  #1  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default 81 carb and dizzy help

I have an 81 with a 350 I just installed in the car. We got r fired and idling for about 1 minute each time and then chokes out and dies.

I’m running the stock quadrajet with all the computer crap but am running a vacuum advance hei distributor just to get it running before getting rid of the quadrajet. I do have the vacuum hooked up for the dizzy. These two should work fine temporarily correct?

Just making sure before I start adjusting timing and have to swap dizzys. Would really like to keep keep the vacuum advance so I can rip the computer out after carb swap. Already “forgot” to install all the smog crap
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 09:59 PM
  #2  
NeverTooOld's Avatar
NeverTooOld
Racer
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 289
Likes: 32
Default

Originally Posted by Rarbage
I have an 81 with a 350 I just installed in the car. We got r fired and idling for about 1 minute each time and then chokes out and dies.

I’m running the stock quadrajet with all the computer crap but am running a vacuum advance hei distributor just to get it running before getting rid of the quadrajet. I do have the vacuum hooked up for the dizzy. These two should work fine temporarily correct?

Just making sure before I start adjusting timing and have to swap dizzys. Would really like to keep keep the vacuum advance so I can rip the computer out after carb swap. Already “forgot” to install all the smog crap

Isn't your '81 subject to smog testing in New Mexico? If so you are very limited as to what kind of changes you make.
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:04 PM
  #3  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
Default

Originally Posted by Rarbage
I have an 81 with a 350 I just installed in the car. We got r fired and idling for about 1 minute each time and then chokes out and dies.

I’m running the stock quadrajet with all the computer crap but am running a vacuum advance hei distributor just to get it running before getting rid of the quadrajet. I do have the vacuum hooked up for the dizzy. These two should work fine temporarily correct?

Just making sure before I start adjusting timing and have to swap dizzys. Would really like to keep keep the vacuum advance so I can rip the computer out after carb swap. Already “forgot” to install all the smog crap
It won't run correctly with a hybrid. You need either ALL the computer crap, or NONE of the computer crap.
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:18 PM
  #4  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
It won't run correctly with a hybrid. You need either ALL the computer crap, or NONE of the computer crap.
Thanks that would make semi sense, but if it only controls the curve then for idle sake it should idle properly / run enough to break in the cam and cycle the coolant?
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:20 PM
  #5  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default

Originally Posted by NeverTooOld
Isn't your '81 subject to smog testing in New Mexico? If so you are very limited as to what kind of changes you make.
only one county, so no not where I live or where l will be moving shortly anyway. I’m from California and very familiar with smog rules
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:24 PM
  #6  
calwldlife's Avatar
calwldlife
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
Default

Hmm.
put in orig dizzy? Or

Unplug carb so it goes full rich.

Adjust carb to rpm you want

Last edited by calwldlife; Dec 2, 2017 at 10:25 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:25 PM
  #7  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
Default

Originally Posted by Rarbage
Thanks that would make semi sense, but if it only controls the curve then for idle sake it should idle properly / run enough to break in the cam and cycle the coolant?
If you unplug the carb. or the dizzy, it defaults to "limp" mode.
Then it stops all feedback from the oxygen sensor.

The crab will work basically like a normal quadrajet when unplugged, so try unplugging it all.

Set the dizzy to 16* static and try it.
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:32 PM
  #8  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default

I have a 650 holly double pumper spread bore and a square Edelbrock carb. Neither of which are computer controlled but they don’t have electric chokes and probably need rebuild kits.

Ill give the above a try. If I’m unplugging the carb, can I unplug the air cleaner solenoid thing?

sorry I’m new to this, first build
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 2, 2017 | 10:35 PM
  #9  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
Default

Originally Posted by Rarbage
I have a 650 holly double pumper spread bore and a square Edelbrock carb. Neither of which are computer controlled but they don’t have electric chokes and probably need rebuild kits.

Ill give the above a try. If I’m unplugging the carb, can I unplug the air cleaner solenoid thing?

sorry I’m new to this, first build
I don't understand what you mean.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2017 | 01:25 AM
  #10  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
I don't understand what you mean.
theres actually three electronic hook ups on the carb plus the electronic choke. My AIM calls one the “fuel metering solenoid” , one “a/c solenoid connection” and one “throttle control sensor”. On a different page, the a/c solenoid is also depicted as “idle solenoid”. However if I’m thinking properly, since this is an air conditioned car, maybe it is ac as in air conditioner and not air cleaner. Likely bumps the idle up when the ac comes on?

I would imagine i leave the idle solenoid and choke connected and disconnect the fuel metering and throttle control sensor.

I also just just noticed the heater core is leaking , and not from the hose. Darn.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2017 | 08:36 AM
  #11  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
Default

Originally Posted by Rarbage
theres actually three electronic hook ups on the carb plus the electronic choke. My AIM calls one the “fuel metering solenoid” , one “a/c solenoid connection” and one “throttle control sensor”.

I would imagine i leave the idle solenoid and choke connected and disconnect the fuel metering and throttle control sensor.
Correct
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2017 | 11:53 AM
  #12  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
Correct
so then with a non computer controlled carb, I would still have to have the main wiring harness because I need the idle connector and temp connector that goes into the intake mani, correct?

So why do all the threads about removing the computer system say to unplug the harness at the firewall.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2017 | 05:06 PM
  #13  
Rarbage's Avatar
Rarbage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
Default

Solved.
Thanks Big2Bird.
Unplugged all but idle solenoid and choke. Starts up and idles fine now.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 81 carb and dizzy help





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:25 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE