New parts and nothing to show for it!

[BargeCrew]

I've got an '84 Chevy shortbed with the 305 5L small block which was completely factory until recently. I replaced a bunch of parts and removed all the unneccessary cali emissions, smog pump and belt, PCV valve, EGR, tons of various vacuum lines all of which have been rerouted or completely blocked off. The new ignition system and carb took care of most of it so I thought.

Edelbrock 1403 500 CFM carb w/ electric choke and adapter plate
Edelbrock 14" open air cleaner
Edelbrock valve covers, gaskets and breathers
Edelbrock fuel line kit w/ filter
MSD 8362 Distributor Street Fire HEI
All new belts
Long tube headers
Pypes dual exhaust system

The timing was set at 6 off of the timing plate which is mounted behind the water pump.

The new carb's max fuel psi is 6.5 and I'm pretty sure the stock fuel pump is within range? If not, should I add a fuel pressure regulator? I'm having trouble with fuel delivery or too much rather. It acts up while driving, hesitates while giving it gas then the throttle jumps almost like turbo lag. While in park and power braking, it handles the stress alright but it's a whole different story in motion. My mechanic suggested a manual tac could help along with a new fuel pump. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Corts60]

For one, I would be hooking that PCV back up unless you want to start blowing out gaskets. Second, Try setting your timing to 8 degrees BTDC. Also, is your vacuum advance hooked up to the proper port on the carb? There will be two different ports on that edelbrock. One will be ported vacuum, the other manifold vacuum. I personally like to run manifold vacuum to my distributor.

Check those things out and let us know. Your factory fuel pump will be just fine with that carb. Also, how did you set your idle/mixture screws?

Also, in the future, try not to replace so many parts at once. It is easy to lose track of which one may be causing your problem.

[irishman999]

I battled the exact problem you are describing for the better part of a couple years after I decided I dont need a pcv valve. I threw parts at it until I was looking at an entire rebuild when my dad plugged a PCV valve into my Carter AFB and my truck ran perfect all of a sudden.

[Weasel Diesel]

One other thing, after making sure that the vac line for the distributor goes to the correct type port... Dont forget that base ign timing is with the vac advance unhooked and line plugged. Otherwise your timing will be seriously set retarded.

[slinginrods]

hook the pcv valve back up,make sure that there are no restrictions in the jets in the carb. 500 cfm carb is a lil small and edelbrocks tend to run lean so some tuning maybe involved ,you can start with a 8 degree base timing ,make sure the vacuum advance is disconected when you set the timing.i also prefer manifold vacuum to the distributor.do you know if the dist has been curved?post some pics of how you eliminated the emissions.also make sure the tank vent is not plugged off on the frame.

[VA72C10]

In addition to above check your fuel pressure. Edelbrocks flood with anything over 6-6.5 and I've had a stock pump putting out 8 before....
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[rcsweet21]

The lag you say you feel is actually the engine cleaning out the extra fuel in the manifold. the carb you have should be fine with the 305, set the timing at 8 degrees btdc with the vac advance disconnected and plugged i use a small piece of hose with a screw in it, then set the idle mix screws, if you have a good vac gauge use it to help set the idle mix get the highest vac you can get, and make sure the pvc is hooked up hope this helps

[BargeCrew]

The timing was set at 8 and later dropped to 6 degrees BTC. The vacuum advance is connected to the manifold port. Idle/mixture screws are set between 1 and 1-1/2 turns from bottom base line. My new valve covers don't have a port for the PCV valve. Do they make a breather for my truck with a built in PCV valve?

[BargeCrew]

I'll try resetting the timing to 8 degrees with the vacuum advance disconnected and plugged. I have to get another PCV valve in a breather or another set of valve covers with the PCV port. Pictures will be posted later this evening when I get home from work, if not tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone for timely responses!!

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Up here in was I usually set the timing at 10 -12* the med should have one med and one light spring and that edelbrock is good for powering a v6 but is still small for a 305. Being we are at sea level a bigger garb can be had without negative effects. As I recall not all edelbrocks had manifold vacuum ports just venturing ports.

Also the vacuum canister on the hei is adjustable so make sure its not to stiff

[motornut]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Up here in was I usually set the timing at 10 -12* the med should have one med and one light spring and that edelbrock is good for powering a v6 but is still small for a 305. Being we are at sea level a bigger garb can be had without negative effects. As I recall not all edelbrocks had manifold vacuum ports just venturing ports.

Also the vacuum canister on the hei is adjustable so make sure its not to stiff

i am that far advanced too
2B 79 305
still working on it...

[BargeCrew]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Up here in was I usually set the timing at 10 -12* the med should have one med and one light spring and that edelbrock is good for powering a v6 but is still small for a 305. Being we are at sea level a bigger garb can be had without negative effects. As I recall not all edelbrocks had manifold vacuum ports just venturing ports.

Also the vacuum canister on the hei is adjustable so make sure its not to stiff

I assume you mean WA. state? Not sure how either of your guys trucks runs correctly with the timing being so advanced. The 500 CFM was bought under many positive recommendations, it may run lean but I'm going for better mileage not performance. I'm pretty sure my edelbrock has both ports to work with. I'm still waiting on my fuel regulator and gauge to show up before making the other needed changes. How would I go about adjusting the vacuum canister?

[BargeCrew]

Originally Posted by Corts60

For one, I would be hooking that PCV back up unless you want to start blowing out gaskets. Second, Try setting your timing to 8 degrees BTDC. Also, is your vacuum advance hooked up to the proper port on the carb? There will be two different ports on that edelbrock. One will be ported vacuum, the other manifold vacuum. I personally like to run manifold vacuum to my distributor.

Check those things out and let us know. Your factory fuel pump will be just fine with that carb. Also, how did you set your idle/mixture screws?

Also, in the future, try not to replace so many parts at once. It is easy to lose track of which one may be causing your problem.

I've got some new breathers coming, one with the built in PVC valve connection. I don't want any blown gaskets, I just replaced a bunch of them! I haven't been able to test the fuel pumps pressure yet but I'm hearing the stock pumps are pushing out more than the Edelbrock can handle. (6.5 max PSI) It was stupid of me to replace and or remove so many emissions related parts at once, next time I'll take it a little slower.

New engine part pics!

[INSIDIOUS '86]

From this picture your distributor looks off looks like its running retarded on timing. If you look on the emissions sticker they say to run 4* initial lol. When I tune all my engines around here im usually in the ten to twelve area and they run strong

My truck runs 14* initial just because of the cam so it will idle in gear but I still retain the 36* total advance