The "Slow but Steady" '78 Project Build
You are correct, I didn't cover the entire top of the carb in the second video. I did however, connect a vacuum gauge and got a reading that does not indicate an internal/manifold vacuum leak. I'll get it figured out sometime, not this year but eventually. Maybe 2-3 sets of brand new parts/gaskets will do the trick. Car is getting put away today. I know I've said it a million times, but thanks for all the help and I appreciate the insight, wisdom and guidance from all! Have a good one!
FWIW, I was able to get the engine running properly in my Camaro, finally. Another new distributor, new carb (650 cfm this time) and I pulled the 1206 intake gasket to replace with a 1205. Whatever was causing the problems will forever be a mystery. Rain has kept me from the maiden voyage but I've run through all the gears several times with the car up on stands and the trans (the one I taught myself how to rebuild) is working well. Still have to put the fenders and nose back on but most everything else mechanically is buttoned up.
Thanks gentlemen, appreciate it. I found and bought some '80 Z fenders a few weeks ago that I'm going to use on the car. They're in pretty good shape but I had already bought new lower fender repair panels that I think I'll use on them anyway. Need a reason to practice welding more so I'm going to work on those today. Waiting on the new fender bolt/clip hardware kits to get here tomorrow so hopefully I can get that stuff all installed this weekend. Looking forward to pulling that thing out of the garage again, been almost 4 years now.
Yeah, it's gotta be exciting to be this close to having it on the road! Especially with so much summer left ahead of you!
Looking good Tim! Mine is in limbo right now because of life changes but things are coming together. We're somewhat neighbors now. I've retired and I've moved to Elk Rapids. I've bought a house and remarried. The new house has a nice big garage and have just moved most of my tools up from downstate. As soon as I do some repairs on my truck, I'll be headed down to pick up the Camaro and the rest of my tools and toys.
Keep up the progress and you'll be cruising in no time!
Keep up the progress and you'll be cruising in no time!
Looking good Tim! Mine is in limbo right now because of life changes but things are coming together. We're somewhat neighbors now. I've retired and I've moved to Elk Rapids. I've bought a house and remarried. The new house has a nice big garage and have just moved most of my tools up from downstate. As soon as I do some repairs on my truck, I'll be headed down to pick up the Camaro and the rest of my tools and toys.
Keep up the progress and you'll be cruising in no time!
Keep up the progress and you'll be cruising in no time!
Hey Neal/Neil! Welcome to the neighborhood! Hope you like winter. You're a skier though, at least you can get about 8 months of use out of a season pass now. Congratulations on the retirement and relocation, glad to hear you're up this way now. I drove through your area last week actually, on my way to T.C. to buy a set of used rims for my buddy downstate. My truck is just sitting here if you decide you want your Camaro/stuff up here any sooner. I'd still like a chance to repay the sway bar favor as it is!
I'm almost afraid to post this update on here, it's starting to feel like my curse is intertwined with this forum. Having problems with the Camaro again. I know, surprise surprise. I stay off here, I get things fixed and the engine running superb. I post one update and within 2 days I try to start the engine and it runs for 15 seconds, chugs, stalls and I watch fuel spewing out of every orifice on the new carb except where it's supposed to go! Now, engine will not start, I get a zero reading on the pressure gauge yet fuel continues to leak out of the choke linkage onto the top of the manifold when I try to start it. Coincidence? Keep in mind I'm on my second regulator. Remember the new Made in Korea Holley regulator I installed the end of last summer? I did the tap on the carb to free a stuck float bit and nothing changed. So instead of driving the Camaro I'm back to troubleshooting. You were right Vall, so glad there's so much summer left ahead! LOL
I'm almost afraid to post this update on here, it's starting to feel like my curse is intertwined with this forum. Having problems with the Camaro again. I know, surprise surprise. I stay off here, I get things fixed and the engine running superb. I post one update and within 2 days I try to start the engine and it runs for 15 seconds, chugs, stalls and I watch fuel spewing out of every orifice on the new carb except where it's supposed to go! Now, engine will not start, I get a zero reading on the pressure gauge yet fuel continues to leak out of the choke linkage onto the top of the manifold when I try to start it. Coincidence? Keep in mind I'm on my second regulator. Remember the new Made in Korea Holley regulator I installed the end of last summer? I did the tap on the carb to free a stuck float bit and nothing changed. So instead of driving the Camaro I'm back to troubleshooting. You were right Vall, so glad there's so much summer left ahead! LOL
I've had mixed results with all the cheap regulators, and even took a carb back for warranty when I couldn't believe a new regulator and factory mechanical fuel pump could be the issue!
After putting a fuel pressure gauge on it, and looking at a mechanical pump putting out 9.5 lbs., no matter where I cranked the Holley regulator; I started from scratch. Removed the regulator, and purchased a much better quality regulator that actually kept the pressure at 5.5 lbs. where I want it.
On the other end, I've had a Holley regulator on my 355 in the Austin for over 4 years, and never touched it. Just seems like they're not consistently good, and often bad.
After putting a fuel pressure gauge on it, and looking at a mechanical pump putting out 9.5 lbs., no matter where I cranked the Holley regulator; I started from scratch. Removed the regulator, and purchased a much better quality regulator that actually kept the pressure at 5.5 lbs. where I want it.
On the other end, I've had a Holley regulator on my 355 in the Austin for over 4 years, and never touched it. Just seems like they're not consistently good, and often bad.


