Engine advice/help with my '81
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
Engine advice/help with my '81
Trying to de-Bubbafy my '81. He had a hi-rise+adaptor (hood would not come close to closing), wiring harnesses to carb, etc. not hooked up. Smog pump not on, but I doubt I would re-install it.
I have pulled the intake (Edelbrock) and discovered at least part of the reason why it didn't run good. The head surfaces were not cleaned well at all and couldn't have been properly sealing. I (supposedly) got all of the original parts with the car, but the other intake I got is a 14057053. I don't think this is the "right" one, but I don't have any references to tell me what it is. Can someone tell me what this is? The other thing is, it is missing the heat/splash shield. Will this affect it's operation?
The other question I have is this- I am not too adept at tuning carbs, and the '81 with it's computer controls intimidates me. I've had one suggestion already to replace the original carb and HEI distributor and go with non computor controlled units. I have a dist. with a vac. advance, but would have to find another carb. Would this be a much better way to go? Or at least easier?
Thanks in advance! :)
I have pulled the intake (Edelbrock) and discovered at least part of the reason why it didn't run good. The head surfaces were not cleaned well at all and couldn't have been properly sealing. I (supposedly) got all of the original parts with the car, but the other intake I got is a 14057053. I don't think this is the "right" one, but I don't have any references to tell me what it is. Can someone tell me what this is? The other thing is, it is missing the heat/splash shield. Will this affect it's operation?
The other question I have is this- I am not too adept at tuning carbs, and the '81 with it's computer controls intimidates me. I've had one suggestion already to replace the original carb and HEI distributor and go with non computor controlled units. I have a dist. with a vac. advance, but would have to find another carb. Would this be a much better way to go? Or at least easier?
Thanks in advance! :)
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Engine advice/help with my '81 (MidShark)
While I prefer the non-computer controlled, it is debateable. You should probably install what you have. The main issue w/ the computer controlled carb is the mixture control solenoid. If your mixture solenoid is working, you may be fine. You may not need the shield in MI. An aftermarket is available from Moroso & that is what I use for Perf. w/ aftermarket manifolds like Edelbrock.
:cool:
:cool:
