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I bought a 77 today. It needs some things fixed before its ready to drive. One issue is a PO replaced the carb, air cleaner, and distributor. The air cleaner he bought is 14" across and it just bumps the distributor causing a spark. So the air cleaner is not installed on the car. I was going to purchase a smaller air cleaner thinking quick fix but a search of the forums shows some saying air cleaner needs to be 3" tall. And it looks like to purchase one 3" tall it will be 14" across. So is this distributor just too big and I should replace it, or can I just use a 10" x 2" or 12" x 2" air cleaner?
Here's my 77 with 14inch airfilter, HEI Distributor and all the factory distributor covers.
I went up. many simply notch the airfilter base a bit.
At anyrate. Shouldn't cause a spark. unless your cap or wires are leaking. Any replacement HEI will be the same size.
There are aftermarket small cap HEI Distributors available however. But repairing the electrical leak and notching the base of your airfilter would cost far less.
And where are all your covers?
Thank you for the info. I got some parts with the car, I believe I have the covers. I didnt think about going taller, assumed I couldn't, I need to measure for that. The PO was rushing to put it together and sell it, there are some other big issues that will keep me from driving it for now like power steering not working, throttle/gas pedal are way out of adjustment, possible brake issue. Unfortunately I am not a mechanic so it'll be slow going: research, order parts, research, stumble through installing parts, repeat. This is my second time owning a 77, but my first one really didnt need anything except gas.
Congrats on the new Corvette.
I see that after market carb is bolted to the original intake manifold. So I have to ask, is that even a spread bore carb? or is it a square bore bolted onto an adapter plate?
Do yourself a HUGE favor and get rid of that carb and all that idiotic after market adjustable linkage, springs and rubber hoses. They will never work properly.
Then buy yourself a period correct Rochester like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/30462431851...Bk9SR9T10cbtYA
and have it rebuilt my a reputable mechanic. You can even try contacting CF member Lars here for this service. Or contact the P.O. and see if he still has the original Rochester and have that rebuilt. This is a direct bolt on, easy replacement that will solve ALL of your problems with fit and function.
Cheers, Greg
Yes I do have a full set of manuals that I kept when I sold my first 77. The PO included the original carb, air cleaner, shields. The one that’s currently installed is on an adapter.
The one that’s currently installed is on an adapter.
AAARGH!
All kidding aside, if you already have the original carb and all the other goodies that is GREAT news! You just can't beat the original setup for reliability and function.
Get a qualified guy to rebuild that Rochester properly, reinstall the rest of the correct parts and you'll be very happy.
Hey, don't forget to share a couple pics of your new Corvette here!
If your no mechanic, First step is join a Corvette club and get to know some people that at least have a clue. And can recommend a good mechanic in your area that they have had good luck with.
The original quadrajet carb is best sent to Lars for a rebuild.
he's on here all the time and easy to find. He's a less than young guy like myself that really knows these quadrajet carbs.
Best in the business. Then get rid of that HORRIBLE adaptor plate and put it back the way it should be.
Then your air filter will fit.
Or, do what I did. Aftermarket everything. But I am a mechanic.
I do have the original block. and all the original ign. shielding. But that's the end of that.
One thing I noticed from your picture is that maybe if you pulled the distributor and dropped in back in straight it may give you a little extra clearance for your air cleaner.
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Here's my 77 with 14inch airfilter, HEI Distributor and all the factory distributor covers.
I went up. many simply notch the airfilter base a bit.
At anyrate. Shouldn't cause a spark. unless your cap or wires are leaking. Any replacement HEI will be the same size.
There are aftermarket small cap HEI Distributors available however. But repairing the electrical leak and notching the base of your airfilter would cost far less.
And where are all your covers?
I also notched my drop base air cleaner. No need to replace your HEI.
Thank you everyone for the replies. I like the idea of putting the original carb and air cleaner back so I'm going to try that first. I have emailed Lars for a carb rebuild.
Bad news from Lars: The carb I got with my car is not a correct 1977 QJet and has been messed with. So now I'm going to search for a correct one to purchase and send to Lars.
Looking at your 1st engine photo to me it looks like the car was originally equipped with A/T A/C and also cruise control.
I'm guessing your 1977 is a standard federal emission L48.
If so the correct carburetor number is 17057204.
There are several on e-bay now but I would take a look at this one 7 days left in auction LINK: https://www.ebay.com/itm/27547456494...Bk9SR7ay4uvvYA
Also, if you are missing the correct accelerator cable support bracket same part was used from 1975-1980 cable support bracket part number is GM #352279.
With Cruise the additional cable support bracket is part number GM #342407.
Cable Support Bracket Photo:
If the brake booster pipe is missing the pipe and support was the same part 1975-1977.
Only difference was the plating,
1975 - early 1977 had the gold cad plating
Late 1977 just the first stage silver zinc...
Latest bummer. Located the engine stamp. Hard to make out the whole thing but it looks like it is not correct. So hunting down a 1977 correct quadrajet is probably not my next step. My vin is 1Z37L7S434280, stamped vin derivative ends with 067.
Try to make out the 3 letters of the suffix code, to me they could be CHP or CHR?
In General:
V = Flint engine plant
03 = Month, March
07 = Date, March 7
Year(s):
CHP = 1988 305ci 190HP TPI
CHP = 1997 350ci 285HP TPI
CHR = 1975 350ci 205HP 4bbl
CHR = 1978 350ci 170HP 4bbl
If it is a CHR it's possible it came out of a 1975 Corvette, AT transmission, California emissions...
205HP vs. the 165HP standard equipped 1975.
4 bolt main in the CHR?
The 17057204 is still a really good carburetor, just something to keep in mind...
Last edited by bmotojoe; Sep 27, 2022 at 04:19 PM.
Reason: Added CHR Possible Corvette Engine AT Trans & Calif. Emissions
Different air cleaner or different distributor?
AAARGH!
