So this really isn't a problem that is new, just very annoying. Ever since I put in the 350 last year, the car tends to idle around 1200 in neutral and 1000 in drive. This was the case with the computer controlled Q-jet and still is the case with the Holley 750vac.

I have changed the intake gaskets, the carb base gaskets, looked EVERYWHERE for vacuum leaks (it idles even higher if you cause one), and messed with every screw on the thing. If I do get it around 750 in drive, it bounces and surges and shakes the car and may even stall. At least at 1000 it is smooth.

With the #70 jets, I am rich, so it isn't a lean problem. But even with #68 jets, it was high. And the Q-jet was fine before I put on the engine (when it ran). Could it be the 262 cam? I doubt it because others run the same one without problems. Got any tips?

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1984 z28 w/ a 357 cu in. monster engine which is looking like the posterchild for Edelbrock with the exception of the Holley 750vac... all the suspension stuff... 9-bolt posi disk is in...

-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

You running straight manifold vacuum to the distributor's vacuum advance can? I don't even know IF you have a vacuum advance distributor but if you do, that's likely your problem. Use a vacuum source that only supplies vacuum once OFF idle or beyond.

Also, double check your tach's accuracy with another tach. Old tachs get "sticky" at the low end of the scale when they get old sometimes.

One last thing- since you KNOW you are running too rich on the idle circuits try LEANING them and THEN backing the idle down. I'm talking about your idle mixture screws- the jets have NO EFECT WHATSOEVER at idle speed. Many idle problems are cured by simply raising the idle speed above the point that the idle circuits are doing the majority of the fuel feeding. That's a "crutch" obviously. Get the speed down, let it shake and rattle, and play around with the idle mix xcrews and see what it likes.

[This message has been edited by Damon (edited January 05, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Damon (edited January 05, 2001).]

 

My thoughts exactly. Actually (since my fuel gauge, oil psi, volt meter, and after installing my MSD... now my tach too) most of my in dash sensors don't work too well. I just hooked up the msd box and the brown wire has no place to go, so the tach doesn't work (for now). I have all new Autometer gauges on order...

After hooking up the msd box and adding an adjustible vac canister (5 turns), it idles the best it ever has in a long time... even though I have no idea what the rpms are!

Mostly I have all ready looked at your suggestions. I did find that actually screwing in the idle speed screw (on the throttle bracket) DID help to lower the idle speed origionally. And yes, I do have the vac for the HEI on a patial vacuum from the carb (midway up the metering block).

 

I'm having almost the same problem. Except even before I put in the 350 my car idled high. High = 1500 just to get it to idle. Anything less and it surges and eventually stalls. I'm not sure what to do as it's been doing this for almost a year. of course my transmissions broke so the car don't move anymore. 1984 Camaro SC.

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John Chamberlain
1984 Sport Coupe Camaro, 1979 350. Dynomax 2 3/4" cat back single in dual out muffler. Have Heads, Weiand Stealth intake, IN process of rebuild on 350 (355 all that good jazz) saving for Transmission THEN PAINT!

The Allmighty Warrior Court Jester of The Not-So-Famous Cascade Crew


[This message has been edited by 84FBODY (edited January 06, 2001).]