Hey Guys..
Changing valve seals this week.....My question is, With all these hoses, valves and misc. junk under the hood associated with the carb and emissions, Do I really have to put it all back on? Theres gonna be a lot of breakage......What could I use to plug up the fittings where I take stuff off? Also, while im in there, I was thinking about changing manifold, carb or both. Should I just use my stock carb, and a spread bore manifold? or go with like a 625cfm edelbrock or carter and a manifold (performer or air gap)...thanks for the replies in advance!!:hail:

 

Welcome aboard.

Don't take it personally, but you hit a hot button with me. Although I agree that the packaging and execution could have been better, the feedback emissions stuff has really been a step forward in engine management. For everyday driving and economy, the system works in your favor. In power situations, especially WOT, the system goes open-loop and is no different for the most part than an old mechanical non-feedback system.

Keep the stuff. The A.I.R. hoses are a little annoying, but don't hurt economy or performance. The intake manifold isn't a perfect piece, but without other modifications like exhaust, cam & heads, replacing it won't gain you a whole lot (check this thread and the referenced threads for more of what I've said about that https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...threadid=85048 ).

It will cost you more to go non-CC (carb, distributor, EGR valve) if you go with new stuff than it will to improve your CC setup. Your upgrade priorities should be (in this order, in my opinion): air cleaner, ignition, exhaust, cam, and heads. I can claim a little voice-of-experience on this.

Good luck. Oh, valve seals was the first thing I changed on my LG4 (other than oil & tune-up stuff).

 

Thanks for the reply!

What you said makes a lotta sense...where besides the shop manual could I learn more about how exactly these systems work? Also, what would you suggest....upgrading my hei module to an accel module or going with a whole new aftermarket distributor n coil?

Thanx,
Tod:hail:

 

I've learned a boat-load of stuff right here on this site. The carb and general tech typically provide the most useful info, although the other specialty forums (exhaust, motor swap, and tranny) are also very informative. Be careful of what you hear, though, because not everybody knows what they're talking about (someone usually sets things straight, though. Look for replies from Moderators or guys with a bunch of posts).

I have found my ignition setup to be very satisfactory. The aftermarket distributor problem is that most of them are not of the computer-controlled variety.

 

Five7kid
I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that still believes in computer controls. I get a bit annoyed at people that think they gain horsepower from removing the "damn computer crap". I have a 87 Monte Carlo SS, L69 with all computer stuff intact and functioning. With my new high flow cat. and cat-back system, plus my homemade dual snorkel air cleaner with K&N and cam, I'm hoping to get mid-upper 14's in the 1/4 mile with stock short block and heads. Oh yeah, and I replaced the valve seals too.

Look at new cars. They have more horsepower, are more reliable and get 3+ times the gas mileage as cars in the 60's. Don't get me wrong I love old muscle cars, but being able to run 12's with a few bolt ons and still knock down 20+MPG with the AC on in a new F-body can't be beat. Later guys.

 

I see that you live in jersey. I wouldn't recoment it if you would still like to drive legally after you inspection expires. You will have a hard time getting it to pass unless you know someone who can "help you out"