Topic: Electric Choke on a '79
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Anyone ever put an electric choke on a '79 with a Q-Jet? Good or bad?
KDADDY79 2008-03-31 14:58:57
I'm going to have my rebuilt Q-Jet installed with an Edelbrock Performer (non EGR) manifold. My motor is an L-48.
The reason I'm asking is because I looked at the Edelbrock Performer manifold I'm going to be using. It has the space on the passenger side for the (forgive my terms) plate and tube which sticks down in to the manifold and provides heat for the choke. It also came with a block off plate for this opening.
Additionally, the Fel Pro gaskets I bought for this manifold do not have the openings in the middle for the opening in the middle of the manifold on either side (for heat to pass through). 
I don't mind converting the choke to electric as long as it's not a "can of worms" type job.
Any advice and opinions are appreciated!
Kevin
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 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.
All you need is a 12V ingnition source. Electric chokes work great.
I had one on the Edelbrock Performer carb on my 79....
I had one on the Edelbrock Performer carb on my 79.... LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
I hooked one up on my Demon carb and it works fine. Just make sure its a switched 12V to the choke.
Larry
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
Hey guys,
Thanks for the input!
I'm going to still consider using an electric choke.
The stock choke isn't functioning properly yet. The motor won't hold at idle for about the first three minutes.
Monday I'll be able to get it back to the shop for some timing and carb adjustments.
Dejablu,
"Switched" as in a toggle (on - off) switch?
Hi Kevin, what I mean by switched is that it only applies 12V to the choke when the ignition switch is turned on. You don't want it to have 12V applied when you don't have the engine running.
Larry
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #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
Ya...hook the choke wire up to a terminal that is only "hot" with the key in the "Run" position.
The normal, factory style choke should be fine, if it is adjusted properly. You may need to adjust the fast idle screw, for the throttle plate, on the side of the carb by the choke. It's kinda hard to get to, but it should get your idle up to speed when the choke is on.
The normal, factory style choke should be fine, if it is adjusted properly. You may need to adjust the fast idle screw, for the throttle plate, on the side of the carb by the choke. It's kinda hard to get to, but it should get your idle up to speed when the choke is on.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
One small point. Don't connect your electric choke to the ignition circuit, but to a different circuit that is hot in the run position. You don't want to deprive your ignition system.
Larry
Larry
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 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.
There are usually a couple of free ignition ports available on the fuse block.
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)