I need some help here plz :-)

I currently have a 87 camaro with 305 LG4 motor complete stock, and crappy q-jet carb that has been given me nothing but problems! (running rich no matter what i do) My mechanic has suggested this, switch over to a open loop carb, meanin no computer, sensors or emissions control on the carb. I want to get away from having to to deal with the computer i just want an old style carb.

Now what is involved in doing this? How do i bypass the computer? Do i have to change anything in the car and why?
Why should this affect the TQ converter, if at all?

I ve read a couple of posts on the board about this but im just utterly confused here! I need a good explanation

I also need suggestions on a carb to buy, i dont really have a lot of money right now, but i would like to know what u guys think thx.

 

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It has been covered several times in other posts. But first, do you have to worry about emissions? I hope not, since your mechanic is suggesting something that is illegal.

The cheapest, easiest, and best for long-term driveability and economy is to get your computer controlled carb fixed up. Period.

Now, if you're hell-bent on going through with this, and get new parts, you're looking at a q-jet type of spreadbore base carb, and new q-jets from Edelbrock go for about $400. Others are available, but they're not q-jets. Or, you can get a used q-jet and take your chances there, and go through the rebuild and tuning routine that is bound to be needed.

If you go with a square-base carb like a Holley, Demon, or Edelbrock, they won't bolt to your stock intake manifold. You'll either need to get an adapter, which will raise the height of the carb and air cleaner, or get a new intake manifold that will accept either the q-jet or squarebore (like Edelbrock Performer or Weiand Action+). You're looking at another $100 there, or about $150 for an EGR version.

You will also need a different distributor, since the computer needs the carb input to properly operate the ignition. A mechanical/vacuum advance HEI or other aftermarket unit will run you at least $175. If you get a used HEI unit, you'll want to upgrade the coil and module, since the factory stuff is junk.

If you keep the EGR valve, you'll need a vacuum-only version to replace the one controlled by the computer you have now.

All of this will make your computer completely brain-dead, so you'll have to either hook up a toggle switch to lock up your torque converter, or get a $75 kit from Summit or Jegs to do it.

So, with new parts, you're looking at a minimum of about $475, probably more like $650-700. You're also looking at a good bit of time to do the conversion and get it all tuned. With used parts, you don't know exactly what you're getting until you disassemble/rebuild/install and try to fire it up.

Or, you could take your carb off, mail it to Jet Performance, and about a week and $300 later you'll have what's basically a new carb.

This is, of course, assuming your original statement about the carb causing your problems is true.

 

Great reply five7kid! Thx for ur insight, looks like the best bet is to rebuild my current q-jet, thx again