I finnally got my '86 Camaro 2.8L\Auto to run good. The only problem now is a small flat spot when accelerating from a start. Is this part of having a 2.8L? I did all the basics...full tune up, all filters, O2, timing @ 13*, fuel @ 40. TPS seems good. Once the car gets going it's fine.

 

Not to be a joker, but, what did you do for the full tuneup?

 

Plugs, Wires, Cap, Rotor, PCV, Gas & Air Filters. The reason for this posting is that I never drove this car till now. I got the car with a bad motor. I rebuilt it, it runs good now. I just don't know the charactistics of this motor. I have heard they are Not that good of a motor. I was wondering if it is a lazy sensor or if I should keep playing with the timing?

 

Maybe check your vacuum lines. Most people set the timing at 11 or 12.

Hey where on LI you from? Maybe I can take ya for a ride in mine so you can compare them.

 

<~~~timing set at 16. shot for 12, it shifted...said **** it.


It was at 26 when my uncle "set it by ear"....

 

Massapequa & I had the timing way up also, but decided to bring it back down. I may go up a little higher. The flat is very slight, but it's there.

 

I'm from West Babylon, only a few minutes away.

 

I learned how to water ski in the Long Island Sound Bay there. Made real clam chowder, too.
That flat spot is there because your cam is worn down (did you replace it?) & also the cam does have a flat spot, until about 2200-2800 RPM.
You brought it back to life, good job.
Make good heads (new guides & even/shim springs), need a better cam.

 

what is a flat spot?

 

I hope it's Not the cam. I rebuilt the top end, but I got a short block from someone with unknown history, but I think it's Ok because, it doesn't burn or use any oil, and it still has a GM water pump on it. I think it has between 60-70K on the short block. I know that a cam can wearout in that time but...

A flat-spot is when you apply gas and the car doesn't respond till you apply a little more gas. If it had a carb it would be a bad accellerator pump.

 

ON the CARB 2.8, they had a certain cam design.
Those factory cams had a flat power spot (apply gas, but, you're not truly accelerating, just moving), until 2800RPM, then the vehicle "took off" had more pep.
Same with the 2.8-3.1 MPFI engine/cams.
1985-1992 2.8/3.1 are same factory cams designs.
These MPFI cams, have the same story, a flat spot until 2800 RPM, then the car engine gets it true pep.
This debate can go on forever, as CAM DESIGN in engines is a true sicence.
A camshaft is the "brain" of the engine.
The cam tells the engine what to do and how fast to do it (open and close valves), to make power (torque) & Horsepower.
Kinda help?

 

Thanks KED85, I know exactly who an engine works, I posted this because I didn't know the characterics of this car (I got it with a bad motor), I didn't want to replace and/or adjust everything, if it's the way it's designed. It responds with partical throttle very good.

 

As long as it goes and the power is "good" drive it til it dies.
I got 211,500 from my 85 2.8 motor.

 

So does the Crane 2030 Camshaft "fix" this "flat spot" or what?

 

the way you described your car sounds exactly like my 89, doesnt really kick til around 2800, but it gives a BIG kick around 4000-4600 thanks to my ram air

 

Ask here, but, from what I've heard, kinda....
I mean, I do have that "2030" cam in my 3.4 under my Firebird.
From the GM factory the 3.4 have the best of the best, including a cam w/profiles very similar to this "2030", matching valve springs & higher spring pressures, too.
A 3.4 is a very good item to score.
My power band is very linear, solid all thru the RPM range.
IT is a treat not to have that "no go" until about 2800RPM or so.
I'll miss that "dead" spot in my Blazer, too.
See sig, below