I just got a 69 4dr and it has a 307.I put new plugs ect and had it tuned up but its still running alittle rough.Its got a 2bbl carb and while talking to my neighbor he said he used to have 1 and put a 4bbl onto it and he got alot better mileage out of it.I know my choke isn't working but isn't stuck shut or anything so any suggestions on going with a 4bbl.If so what would you recommend I put onto it.
Its a 4dr but fun to drive with the old drum brakes and am radio.
Thanks for any help out there!
Tim (a newbie to this forum!)

To be honest, I don't think you'll see better mileage. I'd recommend a small 4bbl, like a factory Holley 4360 if you're looking for good mileage. It's only 450 CFM and will fit on a factory spreadbore manifold, as well as an aftermarket aluminum intake. I've seen them on ebay for 10 bucks if you don't mind rebuilding one. If you want to go with new parts, you'll be limited to aftermarket universal carbs, or expensive remanufactured replacemnt carbs.

Being you have a heavier 4 door, and a relatively small engine, I'd stay with the 4360 or for a second choice a Quadrajet.

Personally, I'd look for some disk brakes before doing anything else though. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

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Steve B.

Look on the bright side, things are better now than they will be tomorrow.

69 Malibu ZZ4-350
88 Camaro 305 TPI
93 Camaro Z/28
01 Silverado LT Z/71
Chevelle pics (http://hometown.aol.com/zz69chevelle/myhomepageauto2.html)

If it's a 307 like mine, perhaps you have a 2 barrel Rochester carb on it, as I do. Although not greased lightning or a screamer, my carb does the job well. I think that you need to do some carb, dwell and timing adjustments for performance and not just specs.
http://www.thenebula.com/carpics/pics/Sparkplug.gif

I try the old method of advancing the timing till it pings, then back off. I make use of a timing light, vacuum gauge and dwell meter for this.
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Joe G.
ChicagoChevelle68
Any car past 1972 is just simply transportation, really!



[This message has been edited by ChicagoChevelle68 (edited 01-26-2003).]

Thanks guys!! I guess I'll adjust more by ear than using the specs. I should go with disc brakes but won't be putting many miles on her as have an 80 Vette that I drive once it warms up some and stays sunny.I put a new 350 crate in that and she runs like a top now once I rebuilt the old carb I put on her.
thanks again for the help and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions down the line.
Oh do you add the lead additives to your gas at fillups seeing how they are older engines?I heard something about the valve seals go out if you don't!

Your carb may just need to be rebuilt. And, you really want the choke to be operational ... It certainly helps the cold driveability. Still, I think a nice Q-jet could also work for you. Your gas mileage will only get worse if your foot get heavier...Otherwise, the primaries are smaller than your 2 bbl. Of course, a 4bbl does mean new intake and possibly some linkage issues ... new air cleaner and so forth ...Still, the bottom line is make the car fun to drive...Either 2bbl or 4bbl will work if the carb is clean and properly adjusted and the choke works ...

Thanks for all the info guys! I checked with O'reillys for a choke kit but all they have is a manual cable type and say they sell just a spring for it.I would really like to get it working as have to let her warm up for awhile in mornings if I don't !Anyone know of anywhere I can get the whole choke assembly??I see the rod that goes down into the manifold and looks connected to card but must be missing something!Would you know where I might find a pic of all the parts and assembly of it??
I was also wondering if you know where I might be able to get the lock assembly for the glovebox?I guess I need to call my local dealership for something like that but I really haven't had much luck with older parts from those guys!
Thanks again!!

For the manual choke, I just went down to my local autoparts store, (Murray's), and purchased a manual choke kit. Not a special and expensive part. Took about an hour to install, and works well. You just have to do some hit and miss adjustments with the amount of travel the choke makes, and routing of the cable.

Just push it in all the way when cold starting, making sure there is enough gap between the choke plate and carb throat, (measured with a drill bit - check your specs), and pull it out just slightly.
http://www.thenebula.com/carpics/pics/Engine_2.gif

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Joe G.
ChicagoChevelle68
Any car past 1972 is just simply transportation, really!

I have a 72 with a 307. What are you running your timing at?

I had dropped it off at a buddies shop for oil change ect and he did the tuneup on it for me so not sure wexactly what he set it at.The car has been sitting for awhile and only started once in awhile.Just the other day the battery was dead so I had it checked and ended up getting a new one and now it seems to run better than ever.Guess it wasn't getting all the juice it needed but now seems fine.I also added alittle lead fuel additive for the valves but don't know if previous owner ever did or not.
Why was a previous post saying I should convert to disc brakes??I just drive to work and back(35-40mph in city) and it probably won't see much highway use but she seems to stop pretty well with what its got!Just curious about that disc brakes.
Thanks for the info and will most likely double check the timing this weekend if I get a chance and get back with ya.

I recommend disk brakes just because everyone around you in traffic has them, and most have ABS too. It may keep your classic iron out of their trunk. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

National Parts Depot and Year One will have the trunk lock as well as new keys. They sell them in kits or seperately. You could build a car from scratch with thier catalog. Minus the engine and drivetrain of course. They're both pretty easy to find on the internet, and will send you a free catalog.
I don't know if your mechanic friend changed the plug wires when he tuned your car, but if a new battery made it run better, wires would be a wise investment.
Enjoy your Chevelle. I know all of us will be enjoying ours. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif