I recently bought an '83 305 T/A w/ the Quadrajet & was told by the previous owner that the carb needs to be rebuilt. But, I wanted to check it out with you guys first. Here's the symptoms:
Car starts & idles fine, but hesitates when accelerating @ around 4000-4500 RPM.....happens more often once engine warms up. Anyone have any experience with this type of problem? Any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

Welcome aboard, if you haven't been yet.

The first thing to do is to check the ignition system: spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, timing. If those things are okay, then fuel delivery (fuel filter, fuel pressure). If those are okay, then you can assume the carb has a problem.

The first symptom sounds like a possible accelerator pump problem. You can check that while checking the other things. With the engine off and choke open, look down the primaries and give the throttle a twist - you should see a nice stream of gas going into each venturi. If it doesn't start squirting right away, or isn't a nice full stream coming out, then you can skip right to the rebuild.