Olds 403 in 1988 Cutlass - 326hp to wheels

[olds307 and 403]

Carbs Unlimited have primary rods for both early and late. They also have gaskets, jets, secondary rods etc. Your choke coil and pulloff may need to be adjusted tighter.

 

[Rob]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. While I probably have the ability and the patience to tackle this on my own, I'm concerned that there may be an "obvious" defect in the carb that I won't recognize due to my lack of experience. If so, all my efforts may be useless.

I'm thinking it would be a better idea to send the carb to a company/individual who could check it over mechanically, install the correct rods/jets/etc for my engine specs, and verify that there isn't something obviously wrong with it. Once that's done, then I can attempt tuning it on my own.

I know this will cost time and money. However, I'm going to store the car for the winter in the next few weeks, so I've got time. And I think it's money well spent, since the rest of the engine has already been done and done well.

Does this sound like a good idea? Anyone to recommend?

 

[pontiacgp]

I have a qjet guru in town who builds mine. He is well known for his carbs and he will build them to your engine specs for about $325 all in. And he stands behind his work, he tried standing in front but he got run over..

 

[techg8]

I like this guy

http://www.everyday-performance.com

and he is a supporting vendor too!

viewforum.php?f=64

 

[L92 OLDS]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. While I probably have the ability and the patience to tackle this on my own, I'm concerned that there may be an "obvious" defect in the carb that I won't recognize due to my lack of experience. If so, all my efforts may be useless.

I'm thinking it would be a better idea to send the carb to a company/individual who could check it over mechanically, install the correct rods/jets/etc for my engine specs, and verify that there isn't something obviously wrong with it. Once that's done, then I can attempt tuning it on my own.

I know this will cost time and money. However, I'm going to store the car for the winter in the next few weeks, so I've got time. And I think it's money well spent, since the rest of the engine has already been done and done well.

Does this sound like a good idea? Anyone to recommend?

Don't be intimidated by a Q jet. With a good book, time and patience you can do it. One thought that may be causing your's to run with a poor idle is the throttle plate bushings. It is a very common issue with Q-jets. Try to move your throttle plate back and forth to see if there is slop. If there is, you're leaking air which will screw up your idle and carb calibration on the primary circuit. You can buy bushing kits to repair this issue. I bought the bushing material from McMaster Carr and did it myself without a kit. BTW, given the many variables in an engines tune, there aren't any magic formulas or reference manuals that will tell you which primary jets and seats you will need. Even if you take it to someone, it's likely you will be playing with it yourself. Now is the time to familiarize yourself with a Q jet. Buy a spare at the salvage yard if your worried about screwing it up. It will still be less money than paying someone.

 

[Doober]

What is static compression? It may not be building enough cylinder pressure down low to make torque.

 

[Rob]

9.6 to 1 compression. However, I'm also at 3000 feet altitude, which would definitely affect cylinder pressure.

 

[Doober]

I know the feeling, at about 2600' a little ways north of Tucson.