Okay...I'm getting to know the new purchase real quick (1972-454-automatic)...and learning baptism by fire...yesterday I was driving for a atleast 6-8 miles fine...waiting at a red light and than could hardly drive off on the green...it seemed like it wanted to stall, it choked,it even backfired a few times...i drove with literaly no pressure on pedal...I made it to a friends house and several minutes later I started it up to see if I could get it to my garage...it drove fine...about a mile into drive...it started again...and than 3-4 blocks away from my house it was fine again...

Bad gas? Carb? Smog pump is still on car...I havent looked at the plugs yet, but the wires are fairly new and look fine...

Any help on where to start would be great!! Thanks in advance...

Bay

vapor lock? What is the engine temperature? On a hot day a big-block can be hard to keep gas coming to the carb.

Hi
May be a bad needle and seat in the carb ,and flooding.
My 78 does this when I shut it off hot,the carb heat
soaks,and I try to restart.
Steve

The carb is new...I had to replace points on distributor...seems to be working better...but now I need points and carb to working together for optimal idle...just need some tudoring...any mechanics living by me....lol



Bay

Yo Bay:
Redwingvette is probably the closest to you who might know enough to help. You might want to see if he's willing and able!

If it's a gas delivery problem like has been mentioned you might want to look into some of those gas line coolers that they sell in some of the magazines. Not an expert, am I, just a thought though.

Check the gas to make sure it doesn't have water in it.

There are a number of possibilties here, most of which deal with the fuel delivery system.You mentioned the car backfiring. If you are sure the ignition system is sound and functional, a backfire could be a symptom of a lean condition.You mentioned that you replaced points. Did you replace the condenser? A weak condenser WILL cause a lousey idle. Although it is possible to experience these glitches when the A.I.R system malfunctions. You said your car is a 72. Does it have an E.G.R. valve? I know Chevy didn't officially install these till '73, but you wouldn't be the first one to get an early addition. A malfunctioing E.G.R can cause all kinds of rough running, especially on idle, or decelleration. If you do not, then look at your entire fuel system from the tank forward. You did not mention if you checked your fuel filter. Do you have one? These old tanks are famous for rust flaking inside. You could drain your tank, and refill with known good gas to verify that. You could look at your fuel pump while the car is running to insure it is not leaking. A hot engine will evaporate leaks before you can see (or smell)them.A fuel pressure test will verify the pump's condition. You
can use a poor racer's trick, and wrap the fuel line from pump to carb with a shop rag and aluminum foil to insulate it for testing purposes. Be sure to use fireproff materials for a permanent fix. These problems get easier to solve if you use you can use the principle of process of elimination. Believe me, as a Corvette owner, you are gonna need it!!
Good luck, and keep us posted.
c3

Could it be the sock filter in the tank? Joe

Okay all...Adjusted points tonight and it's idling nice...need to have a dwell meter to fine tune it...dont have one of those (this girl's x-mas list is growing )

It does have a new fuel pump and filter...carb has been rebuilt...

...so if my crapy karma continues...what will go wrong next! lol

Thanks for all your help...after adjustment...I can't wait to a drive...

BAY

Did you forget the simple stuff? the fuel filter on the carb!! there like 20 cents change it. if that doesnt work u could have a miss or even a bad coil.