Not sure where to post this up at. I just recently acquired a 85 Z28 Camaro LG4? its a manual 5 speed 305 Carb. Body is in pretty bad shape both fenders are busted up front bumper is all busted up T-tops leak over the back seats. Blown head gasket that I am in the process of changing out. While I am changing those out what else should I look for damage wise. The radiator fluid was brown there is white mold all over the engine. I have a friend that has a parts cleaner at his work and I was going to take my heads and intake manifold down there to clean them. Or I was thinking about replacing the Intake Manifold with a Edelbrock Performer RPM and some Flowtech headers would those be a good choice. The engine ran before I tore it all apart but kept on dying when there was no foot on the gas pedal. Could this be of the head gasket or maybe the Carb is just clogged up. It had been sitting for over a year in somebodys barn thats where I found it at. With the engine not idleing right could the Choke pull off valve thing be bad? Because everytime before it died the choke light would come on. I know alittle bit about cars enough to be able to take it apart and put back together. But I know nothing about Carbs.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Sounds like you have quite a project on your hands.

While you have it apart, check the block and head surfaces for flatness. Head gaskets don't just "blow", it's caused by something (usually overheating). Warped surfaces means the replacement gasket isn't going to seal, or isn't going to seal for long.

You're 2/3rds of the way to a cam change, but that does add more work and complexity. But, if you've considered a cam change, now would be the time.

The Performer is a decent piece. My original manifold was leaking coolant due to slight surface corrosion, so I just replaced the manifold when I was fixing the leak. You certainly want to flush out the complete cooling system before refilling with antifreeze.

The Flowtech headers are pretty much the bottom of the barrel. There are much better choices. Check the stickies in the top section of the Exhaust forum for header information.

Old gas may have been causing your idle problems, although the head gasket probably wasn't helping anything. The choke light came on because your alternator wasn't putting out enough voltage (weird, but true). After you get it back together and running right, it'll probably be fine.

A carb rebuild would be a good idea considering the general condition of the car as you described it.

 

Thank you for all the information. I am on a limited budget but I want to get the things that are needed right now. Instead of getting it all back together and having something else go wrong.

Oh I pretty much have everything out of the engine bay except for the fan and the air conditioning box thing on the passenger side which will be coming out tomorrow.

 

I just looked at prices at cams and probably will buy a new cam how should I pick one and also should I get a Cam and lifter set? This is getting into stuff I know nothing about but I have a friend who can help and knows quit a bit about replacing cams and major engine break down.