I want to run my new engine before I set it in the car, the way I understand it is that I can use the Q-jet carb ('84 model) but need a non-cc distributor since it wont be connected to the computer in the car, which will screw up the timing......the general info I've heard is that the carb can be disconnected from the computer with no effect in the running of the engine, but the computer controls the distributor & timing......true or false??

 

The computer controlls the advance of the dizzy.

You will be able to fire it up with the EST disconnected from the dizzy, it just wont get any advance.

 

The timing advance will be the least of your problems. The computer also controls the mixture control solenoid in the carb, which will sit there at full rich without the computer to tell it what to do.

 

is there a way around the mixture solenoid or in order to run the engine out of car, I need a different carb and ign system...period..

 

What exactly do you plan on doing.

Firing it up for 5sec to see if it runs or run it for an hour?

 

I'd like to run it long enough to get the timing set, the valves adjusted up, make sure it doesnt leak, has good oil pressure and it would just be helpful to have in good running shape before we set her back in the car..........maybe run it for a half-hour or so.....

 

that should be fine. I ran my cc carb with everything disconnected on it, for about a week, before I could get a chance to do anything about it. (and to learn that was a problem.) It'll run rich, get 5mpg or so, and buck and jerk if you try to take off hard. If you granny it, it'll be ok.

 

You can set hydraulic lifters with the engine on the stand. Setting the engine in the car with the distributor installed can be a clearance challenge.

But, you could do the things you mentioned with the CC set-up powered at the distributor only. Your plugs might get a bit blackened by the rich mixture, even within a few minutes. If you don't mind cleaning or changing them after running it and before installing it in the car, it shouldn't be a problem.

What kind of cam are you running? If a new flat-tappet, you don't want to run it at idle when first starting it up.

 

Yep --- new flat-tappet cam, plan on spinning the oil pump to pre-lube before firing it up.......I e-mailed the cam mfr with a few questions about the cam characteristics, he said the cam should have a "good idle with lope".........hmmm I thout they would either idle good or lope.......oh well we'll see........its just such a bitch getting the motor in & out I would like to have it right when it goes back in....a friend has a eng stand and the set-up to run it and he's a real sharp engine man, he offered the use and I hate to pass on an opportunity like that.........