under powered

[82withproblems]

I just bought an 82 jimmy with a 350 and 2 barrel carb. It is extremely under powered and I don't even know where to begin fixing it. My plan is to fix up the running gear and then focus on the body and the interior. The engine starts alright but it seems very sluggish. Anybody know where a good place to start would be? I'm also having problems with my automatic transmission. It doesn't really like to go when it's in reverse.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Aluminum intake and a 4 bbl carb, I prefer quadrajet carbs they're one of the best running carbs out there, and a simple edelbrocker performer aluminum intake would help a lot, and a set of headers would help out also with maybe exhaust. That's what I would do, get it breathing good, but at the least an intake and carb would be a good start.

 

[CSFJ]

Aluminum intake and a 4 bbl carb, I prefer quadrajet carbs they're one of the best running carbs out there, and a simple edelbrocker performer aluminum intake would help a lot, and a set of headers would help out also with maybe exhaust. That's what I would do, get it breathing good, but at the least an intake and carb would be a good start.

Not so sure any of that will work without a new cam to make use of the new breathing ability. Used to see that a lot back in the 80's. Someone would get some old v8 car from the 70's throw on a four barrel carb and intake, and ignore the factory cam that had a profile designed to work best with a 2 barrel carb. Then they'd complain how it ran worse than before.

 

[82withproblems]

What size of cam would you suggest?

 

[marks86]

im assuming you've done a basic tune up? plugs,cap,rotor,coil,wires,etc

 

[firebane]

What gears you have in the back. You can do all the upgrades you want but gearing will make a big impact

 

[350runner]

an rv cam will low duration and approx .44 lift will do just fine. it'll boost that low end and take advantage of any bolt ons you add. plus your mpgs won't go out the window.

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[82withproblems]

im assuming you've done a basic tune up? plugs,cap,rotor,coil,wires,etc

I have done a basic tune up. And I replaced the valve cover gaskets.

 

[bigcountryguy19]

Is it smoking or anything? Maybe the engine is just tired and needs a rebuild?


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[77 K20]

Have you done a compression test on it yet?

 

[marks86]

Is it smoking or anything? Maybe the engine is just tired and needs a rebuild?


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my thoughs exactly. or this http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Per...h-350ci-260HP-Engine-Packages/752506/10002/-1

 

[DoubleDingo]

Or this...more power...lol...http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Performance/809/12499101/10002/-1

 

[beest]

Headers and dual exhaust will give ya a nice bump in performance and mpg. If you can get away with it where you live, getting rid of the catalytic converter will help also.

 

[MadOgre]

The 4 bbl aluminum intake will help a lot regardless of whether its the stock cam or not.

You need a good 4 bbl carb and a matching intake before you can swap in a cam anyways!

I would put headers on and dual exhaust with free flow mufflers and then accumulate all the parts for a 4 bbl carb and intake (aluminum ones are best with no EGR) And then finally purchase your cam.

Edelbrock 2101 with a good Quadjet

Edelbrock 2701 with a 1406,1806,1826 Edelbrock carb

Use Felpro 1256 intake gaskets for either manifold.

If using anything other than a Quadjet you will need additional accessories that you cant find at the local junk yard like throttle cable brackets and fuel lines and what not. it cost me almost another $200 just in little **** to get my Edelbrock 2701 and 1806 carb working.

Although Quadjets are superior carburetors to Edelbrocks carter style carbs, they do leak from the fuel well plugs where as Edelbrocks do not. You need to find a pro to fix this properly unless you are quite knowledgeable and able to do it your self.

Put the exhaust on first then do your cam swap with the 4bbl carb and intake at the same time.

Or do the cam later.

But you need the 4 bbl carb and intake regardless!