I recently aquired an 82 T/A. 305 4 speed, 246km. Under load the engine will not go over 3000rpm. I get awsome acceleration up to 3000 then it hits a brick wall. Car looks like it has new fuel pump alternator and distributor cap. It sounds like just about every rocker is loose. I think with so many kilometers the cam has worn itself round. I bought this car with plans to do an engine swap over the winter so I dont really care if the motor is fubbard. I think I answered my own question but what do you guys think??

 

Are you secondaries on your carb opening?

 

I believe they are I can feel the kick when I punch it. I looked at the carb everything seems to be in working order.

 

I think you can answer your own question with a dial indicator on the rocker arms. Your presumption sounds plausible with a flat tappet engine and that kind of mileage (or, kilometerage?).

That's also about the mileage that an engine on mineral oil starts losing rings. When you remove the rocker covers to check the cam lobe lift with the indicator, take a close look at the valve springs for cracks, unusual distortion, or breakage.