I have a 1986 IROC-Z with a stock carbed 305. Lately what is happening is that when I hit the gas (in gear) I get power/no power/power/no power. It fluctuates less than every second. The harder I push the gas, the less power I get! It has even died once...had to crank with the pedal floored to get it started.

Also, I noticed something interesting yesterday. I just started the car and was still in park, and I floored it just because. I hit 1500 RPMs, then the engine started to die and the RPMs dropped. Had I not let off the gas it probably would've died. I tried this a few more times and got the same thing.

I tried easing on the gas, and it heasitated around 1500-2000 RPMs, but then went up like it should. Also, the warmer the car is, the better this problem seems to be.

I have no clue what this is - could be fuel pump, carb, intake, maybe even EGR. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't have the $$ to take it to have a diagnostic yet, so if I can get an idea of what's wrong with it, it would really help me! Thanks!

 

Sure sounds like a mixture problem to me, and likely on the lean side. If you have a fresh fuel filter installed, you may be digging into the carb to check the float level, well plugs, TPS, and MC solenoid.

 

Thanks, I'll check into that also.

I think the engine is pinging too - but I use 94 octane gas. Maybe the octane is too high for the car?

 

What? neverheard of that b4 hes not runnin racing gas afterall.

 

Well, the octane affects the angle of the pistons when they fire, right? I've heard one of the causes of pinging is low octane gas...so if it's too high, wouldn't it cause the exact same affect - just by firing too late, instead of too soon?

 

no higher octane burns hotter and more completly therefore giving u less carbon buildup I belive