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Topic: Carb Choices

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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Carb Choices (1/26)
 7/8/10 8:13pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Black L48 T-Tops


Joined: 1/3/2006
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Ok, I have tried and tried to keep the quadrapuke on this car but it is obvious that she doesn't want one.  I have had this one rebuilt 3 times now, the first time the Carburetor shop in MWC OK screwed it up and wouldn't make it good, the second time the guy (supposed to be the Okla expert) Rick from Rick's carburetors used the original middle gasket when he put it back together, he took it back and rebuilt it again, this time it worked ok, but was having fuel starvation issues on the upper end (73mph up).  Finally had a really bad episode last week and barely got her back home.  I pulled the filter out and it was in backward (the closed end was out toward the fuel line and it was CRIMPED in the middle, like someone didn't get it in straight and forced the nut in.  It is the long filter and the spring was in there as well.  I'll have pix soon on this.

So yesterday I pulled the plugs out and they are completely wet fuel soaked and black.  Local corvette mech thinks there is either trash in the needle & seat area or a stuck float. 

I know I can split open the body with it on the car, driving in the pump pin, pulling the bolts and screws and being careful with the metering valves but, I'm no Ken and while I don't have a problem taking on most tasks, this one makes me nervous.

Anyone have any experience with Holley or Edelbrock carbs?  Will I need to change my L-82 aluminum intake?  Thoughts?  Ideas?  Poke fun at me?

Any and all input welcome at this point.  
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Carb Choices (2/26)
 7/9/10 12:41am
Dan777
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Way back when, I went through a period of having issues with my Q-jet.  I wanted to go to a different manifold anyway, so I bought a Z-28 manifold and a Holley.  I've never had a problem with this setup.
 
You can get a spread-bore Holley to fit a Q-jet manifold.


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Carb Choices (3/26)
 7/9/10 8:16am
KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

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1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


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The BEST thing I did was replace the Quadrabog.  I had mine rebuild 3x.  The guys who did it bench flowed it etc etc.  My wrench absolutely hated the carb of this era.  I changed out to an E-brock intake and carb.  It is terrific.  I then went to the match cam and heads and completely desmogged the car (I still have a hi-flow cat on her) and this car woke up!  It runs like a sowing machine.      
Carb Choices (4/26)
 7/9/10 11:15am
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

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If you have to replace your Q-jet, you're lucky in that you have multiple options you can go with.  I would replace the intake at the same time, but you still have options with that as well.  

If you want to stay with your stock intake, then you have to look for a spread-bore carburetor...otherwise you'll need an adapter which is tall enough to create hood clearance problems.  Holley makes a direct fit Q-jet replacement carburetor for a stock intake...it bolts right on and everything connects the same...linkages, fuel inlet, etc.  It's a different shape than the Q-jet, and you'll need to either eliminate the EGR valve or get an adapter that moves it slightly so the new carb doesn't hit it.

My own preference for a street car is the Edelbrock Performer carburetor...your car would use either their 600 or 650 cfm models.  These carbs are very simple, easy to adjust and hold their adjustments.  The potential downsides are you need to do some adapting for the linkages, cruise control, and fuel lines and fuel filters.  None of those are a big deal. but just something to be done.  The bigger and more expensive downside is you need their proprietary solenoid for air conditioning that maintains the idle when the a/c is engaged.  It's somewhere abound a $100 addition to the cost of the carburetor itself.  Again...an easy install, but something to keep in mind.

Holley and Demon each make great square-bore carbs (as is the Edelbrock), but being subjective, I think they're better suited for the track than the street...my opinion and my bias.  Others will feel different.

For an intake, I think the two best options are either the Edelbrock Performer, or the Performer EPS.  The standard Performer is for both square- and spread-bore carburetors...a bit of a compromise but still excellent intake and better than the stock unit on your car.  The Performer EPS is for square-bore carbs only and is optimized for them.  It has somewhat better horsepower and torque ratings than the standard Performer...not by a whole lot, but better as it's not a compromise design.  Edelbrock also makes other intakes, but most, if not all will cause clearance issues with a stock Corvette hood, unless you use a drop base air cleaner or a higher hood.

There's other quality intakes as well...Weiand for one.  Summit Racing sells a clone of the Edelbrock that's made offshore, but the difference in cost is minimal.  When it comes to intakes for a small block Chevy, Edelbrock pretty much has the name, performance and the market.

I had a '78 L82.  I installed an Edelbrock Performer and used the stock Q-jet.  I was very happy with the results...it was much more responsive and stronger.  That combination never caused me a problem of any kind as long as I owned the car.
Carb Choices (5/26)
 7/9/10 12:17pm
KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

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1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


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Addl 2 cents - I also did what GS did, I had a Qjet on the E-brock intake.  I went the full monte when the Qjet failed again and again.  I have the 600cfm on the car, the install was ez, no hood issues, full a/c.  I did lose the cruise however..
Carb Choices (6/26)
 7/9/10 1:16pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Well....no-one else will do it, so I'll poke fun at you, Okie feller-dude!
Juss kiddin....
Sometimes a quad just can't be fixed, after someone has "fixed" it with some unknown modification. I see a lot of them that have warped bases, bowls, and tops. Hard to make one with all three of those work, no matter how good ya are.
There are also several different CFM quads, so you need to start with the right one. If you have one that is too big for the engine, you'll have major issues trying to get it to work without a flooding/rich running problem.
Too small a CFM will have you wondering if yer fuel pump is takin a crap.

I love quads....will take one over ANY other carb for a street engine, hands down. But...I don't want one that someone else has already tinkered with. Chances are, it'll never be right.

I hear this new-fangled fuel injection is gaining popularity....sounds kinda space-aged to me....I don't think it will last...




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Carb Choices (7/26)
 7/9/10 2:47pm
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

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White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.


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I'd get another Q-Jet. One from a known quality rebuilder.
Depending on your cam and heads, you may want to get one from an L-82 vs. an L-48.
And don't let the Q-Jet CFM ratings bother you. They're alot higher sounding than the other carbs that would also work.
I think the L-48 Q-Jets are at 750 CFM and the L-82's are at 850 CFM. Pretty sure it's because of the large secondaries.
Lots of opinions on this. Let us know what you go with.
 
Kevin
Carb Choices (8/26)
 7/10/10 12:58am
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

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1980 Black L48 T-Tops


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Thanks guys.  Still kickin' it around.  I have a crate 265hp GM 350 in her now with an aluminum L-82 intake.  No air at this time but that may change in the not too distant future.

If I had the coins, I'd go with the cam, lifter, head, intake & carb matched set from Edelbrock.  

Funding may drive the Holley Spreadbore choice though.  The two mechanics I trust most in OK (Joel is in the group of 3, but he turns to dust if he crosses the Red River so I'm told...) are at complete odds when it comes to Holley vs Edelbrock.  One is a hard-core racer and says you can't beat the Holley for performance.  The other is more of a streeter and says you can't beat Vic's setup for being a once set, always set kinda deal.  

I'll keep lookin' and let you guys know.  Thanks for the input though.

Oh yeah, 71 Shark and I put a new set of plugs in her tonight after I replumbed the distro (see Kudos for MSD thread) and got minimal spark.  I'm afraid I may have also cooked the coil pack.  

We shall see.  

On the up side, I put the T-Top liners in tonight and man, did that ever set off the interior.  Gotta get some pix for you guys as I've had the seats and door panels done too.
Carb Choices (9/26)
 7/10/10 11:17am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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IF it's a choice between a Holley or AFB(Edelbrock), I'd have to give the nudge to the AFB. Holleys are good, but but the AFB is a much better street carb, imho. If you get a wild hair later and do some upgrades/performance mods, a change to a Holley might be a better choice.
I'm sure there are perfectly good arguments on both sides for one or the other. For someone with a bit more $$$, a Demon would prolly be the best all-around choice. Ya gotta go with what ya know...and can afford!


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Carb Choices (10/26)
 7/10/10 12:49pm
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

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1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


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I have a Speed Demon on my 406 and I absolutely love it. And BG's technicians are excellent and friendly.
Carb Choices (11/26)
 7/11/10 12:01pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

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72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


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You can run a edel square bore carb on a # 2101 manifold without having to use the 1/2" spacer double gasket setup by using eldel # 9266 heat insulator gasket, it is 3/8" thick and comes with longer studs, its all you need, it completely covers the Q-jet opening just drop your edel sq. br. carb on top, done, my experence with holley spread bore carbs are they are expensive, run fat and get lousy mileage, and I found that my stock Q-J ran better. anips2010-07-11 09:07:11
Carb Choices (12/26)
 7/12/10 12:55am
cthulhuLifetime Member
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Hot Springs, AR - USA

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69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans


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[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]

I love quads....will take one over ANY other carb for a street engine, hands down. But...I don't want one that someone else has already tinkered with. Chances are, it'll never be right.

I hear this new-fangled fuel injection is gaining popularity....sounds kinda space-aged to me....I don't think it will last...


[/QUOTE]
 
thats like saying 6ft tall norwegian blondes make the best wives..  but only if they are virgins when you get em..
 
basically you shouldnt count on getting one.
 
i like the edelbrock air-gap line (if you can fit it under your hood) for intake and I like the ROAD demon 625 for a 350 street car..  they make a Road, speed, and race demon.  for street, street/strip and strip respectively.
cthulhu2010-07-11 22:03:19

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Carb Choices (13/26)
 7/19/10 12:39am
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

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1980 Black L48 T-Tops


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Apparently, the folks at Parr Automotive aren't the car guys they used to be...

Sold me the Edelbrock 1406 carb w/elect choke (so far so good) for a 1980 350 application on a vette to replace the q-jet.

In the instructions for the 1406 it states in bold letters YOU MUST USE EDELBROCK ADAPTER #2696 or ADAPTER & FUEL LINE KIT #2697 and FUEL LINE KIT #8135 DO NOT USE AN OPEN ADAPTER!  and then shows a pic of the ket and the adapter not to use...

The yahoos @ Parr didn't mention this when I asked if it was a direct bolt up.  They would have made more money and had one less pissed off customer had they mentioned this little tid bit above, or at least mentioned that I didn't need to pay attention to it, or at least acknowledged that they had a freakin' clue other than to take my money like a robot.

Don't get me wrong, they were friendly enough, and staying local instead of going to Jegs or Summit was my choice...I guess I should have asked for help (detailed) here first.

Anyone know whether I need the above stuff (other than the fuel line stuff, I know I need that from looking at the carb)?

Any help appreciated...

Signed...another frustrated consumer...
Carb Choices (14/26)
 7/19/10 1:59am
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

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72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


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 Turn both carbs upside down and look at the base plates, the Edel SB carb and Q-J carb base plates are different, if you are useing the stock chev intake then you are going to have to use the # 2696 adapter to bolt SB Edel carb to the stock spread bore intake manifold which will raise the carb a little over a 1/2", Dude..., they also failed to tell you that you have to also get the 3/4 Edel. plastic air cleaner spacer so that you stock air cleaner will clear the choke housing if your Q-J used a divorce choke set up,  this will  raise the carb and air cleaner a total of approx 1 1/4", got hood clearence? ...................just took a good look at your hood, looks like you do.

anips2010-07-18 23:22:00
Carb Choices (15/26)
 7/19/10 9:55am
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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1980 Black L48 T-Tops


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Thanks, man.  I think I have the hood clearance however...
 
The base of the air cleaner had to be "modified" to accept the accel pump.  I guess now would be a good time to put metal tape over that spot.
 
I guess I'll be going back to Parr Automotive rather than wait another week on parts to ship...assuming they have the parts in stock.
 
I think I'll probably go with the 8134 fuel line banjo fitting with filter.  I hate the thought of going with a rubber fuel line but I'm not sure if the fuel line they show as an 8123 will reach the fuel pump like the factory steel line.  I'm also not happy about having to cut the steel line but that's not a big deal, the bigger deal is he fuel hose.  I'd like to have it plumbed complete from carb to pump like it is now.  I think I'll go home at lunch and pull the fuel line from the pump to the carb and see if the braided steel line they have (realizing it has rubber inside it) is long enough.
 
We'll see.
Carb Choices (16/26)
 7/19/10 1:04pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

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72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


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I don't think you'll have to modifiy the air cleaner base because the 3/4" plastic spacer raise's the AC base 3/4 ", you might want to consider #8134 fuel line & filter kit,  that way if you go with the braided line from the fuel pump to the carb it bolts directley to the filter, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll scan my Edel cat and send you a photo of #8134, I don't think you have to worry about the braided line, haven't seen one blow yet. anips2010-07-19 10:11:38
Carb Choices (17/26)
 7/19/10 3:32pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

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1980 Black L48 T-Tops


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Thanks, man.  I did pick up the #8134, along with the base #2696 and the braided line from the pump to the fuel rail @ the filter (in line).
 
I'll give it a shot tonight!
Carb Choices (18/26)
 7/19/10 5:56pm
anips
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good luck let me know how it works out.

Carb Choices (19/26)
 7/19/10 11:40pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

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After bathing in 91 octane for the last hour, I can tell you that the Edelbrock fuel line guaranteed to fit and be long enough from the pump to the filter is BS...The fitting does not fit either the 90 degree fitting or the insert fitting to fit the factory steel fuel line.

Tomorrow, I'll find whateverthehe!! AN fitting I need to make it work from the pump to the line.

I had to mfg a fitting for the TV cable connector and remove the throttle connection from the Q-Jet.  Suffice it to say, she ain't up and runnin' yet...  Makes a great hangar queen though.
Carb Choices (20/26)
 7/20/10 10:31pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

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1980 Black L48 T-Tops


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Found an inverse flair nipple with a pipe 3/8" female at Ace hardware.  Will put it together tomorrow morning.  Did find a bolt to put in the fuel line and clamp it down.

Does anyone know if it (the carb) should be preset or if I will have to adj the fuel/air mix?
Carb Choices (21/26)
 7/20/10 11:34pm
dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

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1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


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Well, I must be lucky.  I have the quadapuke on my 350 and have had it rebuilt and it works fine.  What I hear about the quadrojet is that "when it works,  it works good and when it dosn't, it don't"

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Carb Choices (22/26)
 7/21/10 3:19pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Well, after 4 trips to different shops that "supposedly" carry what I need, I think I have the parts I need to make this work.  Apparently, Edelbrock wants you to buy their fuel pump (about 2 - 3" shorter and clockable from the side) to fit their hose.  It has nothing to do with fitting an OEM pump.  Silly me, why would I think that a statement like direct bolt up and works with your existing set-up would mean it worked with OEM stuff.

Hope to get her up and going (oh yeah, Edelbrock doesn't like 5 - 6lbs fuel pressure so had to have a regulator down to 4.5lbs) by tonight.

We shall see.  Can't wait to be driving again.
Carb Choices (23/26)
 7/21/10 11:09pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

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I run a 600 on my 64 belair 283 beater with  a stock chev fuel pump with no trouble, and it puts out about 5+lbs, my buddy runs one on his roadster, with a holley pump and he put a reg on because the holley put out 7+ lbs anips2010-07-21 20:10:51
Carb Choices (24/26)
 7/23/10 5:09pm
nosal1
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Dunedin, FL - USA

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1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.


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Okie Dude,
      Firstly I must remark on the choice of the hood on your '80.That is my favorite Vette hood.It reminds me of my miss spent youth when I callously drove the Vettes of that year.Great look.
        I have a '80 California Vette which means it had a Q-Jet which was governed by the computer by two solenoids on the carb along with an O2 sensor.
       After being in Fl. for a year the carb which operated like a champ in CA. started to take a dump here and I changed it to an Edelbrock 750 electric choke, has a fuel pressure gage which never exceeds 5lbs cold and operated at 2.5-3 psi warmed, with a stock OEM fuel pump.
         I am still on the stock intake manifold, albeit I have a spacer converting from spread bore to a square bore,which made me change my mind about buying a hood like yours to accomadate the carb and spacer,however did not have the problem of space due to using the air cleaner I had, and had Spectre Corp make a 1.99 in X 12 in. K/N type air filter.
        All and all everything works perfectly. I have better low end (off the line) torque than the Q-Jet,however I can foresee a top end problem after 140 MPH because of smaller secondaries in the Edelbrock than the Qjet,albeit my days of running that fast are numbered along with no place to run that fast here in Florida,unlike Interstate 5 in CA. 
        Good Luck on the transition from Q-Jet to Edelbrock.I must also suggest you have the brand new out of the box carb be checked thoroughly as the advertisement erroneous states "put it on right out the box",is not true.I have had brand new carbs "right out the box" air/fuel mixture screws almost closed off instead of 2.5 turns out(stock setting from Edelbrock)
Carb Choices (25/26)
 7/26/10 4:31pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

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1980 Black L48 T-Tops


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Well, it's on.  Fuel leaks fixed and, while still running way rich, it is much smoother than before.  I have to take it in for warranty on the cracked radiator bottom neck anyway so I'll have the guys @ Loomis Automotive put the final tune on her for me.
 
I went with the Edelbrock fuel flow regulator, and with it choked down to 4lbs it's still rich.  I'll try the 2 1/2 turns each on the air and fuel and see how that works for a start.  Mine were turned almost completely out.
 
One more question.  Is in leaning or richening?
Carb Choices (26/26)
 7/26/10 6:41pm
nosal1
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Dunedin, FL - USA

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1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.


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Posts: 262

Good Job Okie Dude,
          I assume you marked on the carb completely closed after you turned the air/fuel screws in all the way without twisting too hard.There is a bottoming point and you don't want to smash the needle too far.
           I don't know the elevation where you are however you should start out at 2.5 turns out to richen and turn in to lean out the carb. I have found that these carbs are sensitive to elevation and need to be set at the best setting for the altitude..You will find people who can not believe this,however here in Florida,my house is the highest elevation here abouts and is 62 ft. above sea level and my carb is turned out at 1.75 turns...
            I also have friends who also have the same carbs here and had to reset them to my spec's and are very happy and vehicles perform and have good mileage as well.
           Before I forget you must have the air filter in place before you adjust the air/fuel screws to do it correctly.Also if you have a vacuum gauge it would be an asset as you can see the vacuum increase as you get close to your optimum operating setting.You can also set the timing this way(with a vac gauge)when you increase the vac value to around 15-18 in. Hg. depending the cam you have.
          You should set timing before you adjust carb either by timing light of vac.gauge.Start at 8 degrees BTC and get to 12-14 static if you have a vacuum advance and using it,that will get you a total of 32 - 34 total with vac and mechanical advance ...This will keep you from detonating on hard pulls.
           I hope this helps and not confuse.. Have a great day..Take care.
         Sal C
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