I finally had my father pass down his '80 L82 which hasn't really been running in about four years due to the fact that when it was started it would spit fuel all over the place from the carb.. Today I had the chance to take the carb. off and found that the gasket where the fuel came into the carb. from the fuel line had a big split down the middle of it. I replaced it and the gasket to the manifold. My problem and questions are this: When I'm at a standstill and get on it the flame that shoots out of the carb is big enough to blow the hood off,(it has a cowl hood which lets me see under it, and I took it up the street without the filter on) also while driving at around 40mph and get on it it has the same great big ole flame shoot out and it sputters and kicks... It did that the first two or so times up the block but got better about it... Could this be that the car just needs to air itself out, a carb adjustment, a timing adjustment??? Any info would be greatly appreciated.... Tommy C.

sounds like timing to me ,has anyone ever done anything to the motor that you know of or did your dad have problems with it ?? let me know and i hope i can help you out with it or one one the great guys on here will ,this is a great place to find help

The car as far as I know has headers with a full dual exhaust.. other than that, as far as possible internal changes, i have no idea...dad just had the issue with it spittin fuel, which i fixed today...

Check your firing order. Sparkplug wires going to the correct plugs. I think it's 18436572, but check. It's been awhile. Mike

i'll check that out tommorrow also...thanks..tommy

Definitely sounds like a timing/firing order issue to me. Does it run smooth except for the Large flame problem?
Your firing order is stamped on your manifold. Look hard enough and you'll find it. Check the timing, and inspect all plug wires, cap, rotor, etc. If none of these do the trick, rebuild or get a new carb. Let us know what you find with the other checks, and i'll continue to search the closets of my mind, as i've had that problem before as well.

If you're running a holley on the car, most likely you have blown the power valve with the backfiring.
I agree with the others, start by checking out your ignition, timing, cap, rotor etc..........
I remember a similar situation with a 78, the vacuum advance line had come loose. Check that too.

The three thing that cause intake backfire.
1. Timing, firing order, timing chain.
2. Lean condition, carb, vacuum leak etc.
3. Sticking/leaking intake or exhaust valve.
This leaves a lot of things to check. Do a bit of research testing and let us know. We can then help a bit more.

Ken Styer

i appreciate the responses from my fellow members..I had a buddy come over and we adjusted the timing...no more backfire, or sputtering issues.. thanks guys...i'm sure i'll have more questions in the future.. tommy c.

Glad to hear it was something easy!