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

Idle solenoid recommendations

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 7, 2020 | 12:49 PM
  #1  
Gralls4771's Avatar
Gralls4771
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 165
Likes: 64
From: Lakeville MN
Default Idle solenoid recommendations

Just finished installing the factory air Conditioning system on a 79 4 speed, now I need an idle solenoid for the carb, under the load of the compressor the engine idle drops so low I'm afraid it will stall at a stop light. I have an Edelbrock performer 1406. Reviews online for these things are all over the place, any recommendations?
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 01:01 PM
  #2  
speedreed8's Avatar
speedreed8
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
Default

Looks like you only have one choice. Edelbrock 8059 solenoid and mount bracket. $$$
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 01:51 PM
  #3  
KapsSA's Avatar
KapsSA
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
Default

Just an fyi.
Factory 79s with AC and manual trans did not use the solenoid to increase the idle.
I guess the factory idle speed of 900 rpm(L82) versus 600 for the automatic was enough to keep from bogging down the motor. L48 was 700 and 500 rpm.
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 02:08 PM
  #4  
Gralls4771's Avatar
Gralls4771
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 165
Likes: 64
From: Lakeville MN
Default

Originally Posted by KapsSA
Just an fyi.
Factory 79s with AC and manual trans did not use the solenoid to increase the idle.
I guess the factory idle speed of 900 rpm(L82) versus 600 for the automatic was enough to keep from bogging down the motor. L48 was 700 and 500 rpm.
Interesting, I didn't know that.
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 02:13 PM
  #5  
KenSny's Avatar
KenSny
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Default

What is your idle speed without A/C on?
My 75 4-speed idled at 850-900 and when the A/C was working I never had a problem with it dropping so low it stalled.
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 02:16 PM
  #6  
Gralls4771's Avatar
Gralls4771
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 165
Likes: 64
From: Lakeville MN
Default

About 800, goes down to 4 or 500 with the ac on. Maybe I'll play around with the idle speed before I commit to $200 for an edelbrock solenoid
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 02:18 PM
  #7  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

You might have some issues with vacuum leaks or ignition timing, also. Verify those issues are not involved before you go spending money on a "fix". Or, just increase curb idle speed a bit to keep the engine running when A/C is turned on.
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 02:59 PM
  #8  
KenSny's Avatar
KenSny
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Gralls4771
About 800, goes down to 4 or 500 with the ac on. Maybe I'll play around with the idle speed before I commit to $200 for an edelbrock solenoid
I would back up a bit.
What did GM recommend for the idle speed originally?
800 sounds low for a 4-speed without the idle solenoid.
Mine called for 900 at idle with the A/C off. Sorry I can't remember what it dropped down to when A/C was on,
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 7, 2020 | 11:56 PM
  #9  
Sky65's Avatar
Sky65
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,772
Likes: 694
From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
Default

Get one of these and make your own bracket.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/smp-es9

Or check your local junk yard. I bought one for $25 with a bracket I modified to fit.

Tom
Reply
Old May 8, 2020 | 08:22 AM
  #10  
Engage's Avatar
Engage
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 474
Likes: 64
From: Portage La Prairie Manitoba
Default

Originally Posted by Gralls4771
About 800, goes down to 4 or 500 with the ac on. Maybe I'll play around with the idle speed before I commit to $200 for an edelbrock solenoid
Set your idle speed to 950.... save your money!
Reply
Old May 8, 2020 | 08:51 AM
  #11  
interpon's Avatar
interpon
Le Mans Master
Supporting Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,658
Likes: 2,470
From: Indiana
Default

my l82 79 4sp calls for 900 rpm.. with ac on it drops to 6-700 rpm.. there is NO solenoid

Last edited by interpon; May 8, 2020 at 08:57 AM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Idle solenoid recommendations





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:11 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE