Went to a shop, gave me a quote for tune up

[gil_espinosa]

Well I went to a shop to talk to them about a tune up on my 86.

New plug wires (Motorcraft or Autolite) tested to be sure that are perfect
New Spark plugs
New distributor
Adjust the timing

Does this cost $200 plus??

Also, how much for a carburetor overhaul?

Should I do these things my self? I don't know anything about adjusting timing, or the carburetor. I've done things like replace the steering column, pulled a transmission to replace clutch on a 300z, and misc stuff like suspension, and brakes so I wouldn't call myself a mechanic (just a guy trying to save money ..lol)

Thanks for your input.

[r0lf-]

Do it yourself. Why are you getting a new distributor? Just replace the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and check the timing yourself. It can be done for prolly around 100 bucks that way.

For a carb overhaul, it depends on the carb. You might be better off getting a new one sometimes.

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by gil_espinosa

...Should I do these things my self? I don't know anything about adjusting timing, or the carburetor. I've done things like replace the steering column, pulled a transmission to replace clutch on a 300z, and misc stuff like suspension, and brakes so I wouldn't call myself a mechanic (just a guy trying to save money ..lol)...

Nothing wrong with getting greasy to save a few bucks - - that's one of the reasons I do it (the other is that I love it).

IMO, certainly plugs and wires are easy enough for the backyard mechanic to do - I'd say go for it. As long as you do one wire at a time, you should have no issues with keeping the firing order correct. As far as the distributor and timing, it sounds as if you have got enough "gearhead" blood in you to try. As long as you've got a good manual, you should be good to go. Oh, you'll also need a timing light...

The carb rebuild would also require a good manual. Since the set-up of these can be tricky (from my limited experience), this might be better left to the professionals, or find a good friend with some experience.

Good luck and remember to have fun.

[gil_espinosa]

Originally Posted by r0lf-

Do it yourself. Why are you getting a new distributor? Just replace the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and check the timing yourself. It can be done for prolly around 100 bucks that way.

For a carb overhaul, it depends on the carb. You might be better off getting a new one sometimes.

Woops, sorry that's what I meant (distributor cap). I'll start checking on prices for all the parts, to see how much it will run me.

Wanted to charge me about $250 for carb overhaul.

Anyone else with any input?

Thanks fellas.

[N2TRUX]

Yeah, you should have no problem doing it yourself with a few basic tools. Just make sure you get good quailty plug wires, and double check the gap on the plugs.....

[79C10]

250 for the carb overhaul sounds way too much since the rebuild kits are relitivly cheap. But I would definatly go ahead and try it.

-Levi

[75stepside]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Just make sure you get good quailty plug wires, and double check the gap on the plugs.....

AGREED!!! check the gap on the plugs... a gapping tool will set you back an entire $.99 or so! i know plug wires at Advance Auto Parts (mostly eastcoast) most sets have "limited lifetime warranties," if they go bad, they will replace them once.

[r0lf-]

Um, you can get a new edelbrock for around 250 :P

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

I think you should be able to do the plugs, wires and timing relatively simple.
Don't go cheap with the plugs or wires though, I would say some decent AC Delco or some other good ones.
You will need a timing light (pretty cheap) spark plug gap gauge (.99) Just take your time with the plugs an wires and do 1 at a time. Make sure you get some hose or use the spark plug socket to start the plugs carefully so you don't cross thread them.
And the 250 $$ for a carb overhaul sounds a little crazy. You could get a decent brand new 1 for like 150 $$ - 200 $$.
-Later

[jermasaurus]

I believe book time on a 4 barrel q-jet is around 4 hours. Labor rate is usually $60-80 per hour. Plus they arent going to use your own rebuild kit, so they will charge list price on that. If you really need a new one I would find a rebuilt one or if emissions isnt and issue, get a holley or edelbrock. You can get a rebuilt universal Edelbrock from summit racing for around 200. Speed shops also have lots of things lying around for a good price.

[lofat]

i bought a new q-jet for about 250 from i-five ( http://www.quadrajetcarbs.com/ ) because i know nothing about rebuilding.

now that i have the new one on and the old one in a box in the back of my truck i am fixing to learn how to do a rebuild.

[piecesparts]

What kind of carb? The quadrajet is a litle daunting to those that have never had one apart. It is easy if you take your time and follow rebuild instructions. If you are running a replacement carb, like an Edelbrock AFB, then it is easier than the QJ, Go for it. The shop rates today are rediculous, but so is the gas prices. The guy that is rebuilding it for you is getting an average of $65.00 an hour for letting this bench worh sit in a can to be cleaned.

[boxrodz]

I concur with the group.

Changing out the plugs, wires and the cap is straightforward. Plus, once you accomplish it once, you'll be able to do it yourself next time (and faster than taking to someone else to do it). The money you save you can spend it on a good timing light. Adjusting the timing is straightforward as well. (When in doubt, get out the truck manual.)

Once you finish, you can focus on the carb. The truck manual can guide you though the rebuild process if you decide to go that route. (Rebuild kits also come with a very abbreviated instruction sheet.) If you're interested in learning more about the carb, Doug Roe has a good write-up (book) on how to tune, rebuild or modify the Quadrajet. Or, as the others say, you can think about getting a replacement.

If you hit any snags along the way, this forum is 'just a few keystrokes away'.