when the a/c is off, the car runs absolutely perfect (FINALLY IT RUNS RIGHT-turned out to be the fuel pump ) but when its on, the car is really slow and there is a strong gas smell. also when im doing 1500-1750 rpms around town and let off the gas completely the rpms dip way down to 250-300 and just about stall and then bounce back up. it also idles at 500 rpm with the ac on as well as off if that matters.

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soon that white 5.0 lx at school will get a good waxing from a nasty 355 RS...heheheheheh

 

the almost stalling may be from a vaccuum leak. mine was doing that, had to put on new gaskets

 

Do you have a fast idle solenoid on your carb? Make sure it works if so. It should bump the idle up a couple hundred rpm when the A/C is on. Also, that compressor is not easy to turn. It puts a hell of a load on the engine, especially at idle. In most cars, you can tell they ar eslower with the A/C on. Alot of new cars temprarily stop the compressor when you press the gas hard, just so they can accelerate faster. Also, I would do like iroc said and check for vacuum leaks.

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1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."
"Ponies can run, but birds can fly..."

 

check the grounds on the front of the intake at the t-stat and the back of the right cylinder head. if those are weak the ignition will loose power. the ac puts a big load on those grounds. i've seen fi cars die with ac on from that.

 

ward-its a tbi not a carb
thanks-someone told me my compressor was on its way out? also why would it smell like gas?