I just bought a 66 chevelle SS with a stock, original 396. It is so slow that it doesnt get out of it's own way . I dont want to modify it to much (taking away from it's original state) but i also would like to get the HP's i deserve. Any suggestions.

Hey JROCKJR welcome to the site!!!!

Can you give us some more detail?

Does the car seem to run well? Idle ok? burn oil?

What carb are you using?

HEI or points?

Transmission? Powerglide/t350/400 other?

it runs a little ruff but idles, doesnt burn oil, edelbrok carb (not sure what size it looks small) , it has points, with powerglide 400 .

maybe you need to tune it up

where should i start ?

where should i start ?

Open the Hood! l:)

it runs a little ruff but idles, doesnt burn oil, edelbrok carb (not sure what size it looks small) , it has points, with powerglide 400 .

is the trans a 2 speed auto or 3 speed auto?

a stock 325 HP 396 even with a 2 speed should have no problem putting a smile on your face..the most important factor is that it needs to have 38* total timing by 3000 rpm (this is w/o the vacuum advance) and that the gas pedal fully opens the linkage on the carb when its pressed to the floor.

Powerglide 400?
A Powerglide is 2-speed, stock to 66 Chevelles
A th400 is 3-speed, starting in 67.

What is your automotive skill level? Do you have any experience with old cars?
You have come to the right place for a Muscle Car Master's Degree,,,,,,

First I would check and set the timing like Chris suggests....though a stock 325 horse cam....possibly keep this initial timing sane with the Compression ratio + small cam + poor gas equation. Some Kemco Lead Additive, then more timing. Adjust the idle mixture.....if it is off, the car will run like CRAP. Check the condition of the spark plugs and wires. CHECK FOR VACUUM LEAKS.

If you do not have the skills, just about any auto shop could 'scope your car and tell you what you need. Hopefully a TC member near Freehold will come up and offer to 'school you' on these old beasts.

Suggest you replace those points with an electronic kit. You can get them for cheap from Jegs or Summit. While waiting for delivery, check the points ...they need to be flat...no pits. A Dwell meter is the best way to check alignment, but a feeler gauge will work in a pinch.

Change spark plugs and wires, cap and rotor, if any of them are more than a few weeks old.

As stated above, check timing.

after checking the points & timing,GET THE EDDY CARB OFF THAT THING!

Thanks Guys for all your suggestions. The car is at my friends garage, I will print out all your post's and give it to him, hopefully we can get to the bottom of this.

If anyone knows any good speed shops in the central to south New Jersey area i would definitely appreciate it.

after checking the points & timing,GET THE EDDY CARB OFF THAT THING!

get rid of that edlebrock carb????
Its not the carb-its the lack of a good tune on the carb-
IM not attacking you,I just think that if everybody would just learn how to tune
an edlebrock,instead of complaining bout them-edlebrock afbs would get more credit
as being a great carb.they do work-just a overpriced carter AFB
HEMIS seemed to like afb carbs as most mopar mucsle (and thermoquads) (but just between us,should have a q-jet or a holley-just for the GM feel )
67 rat

this guy sounds like spam:D

get rid of that edlebrock carb????
Its not the carb-its the lack of a good tune on the carb-
IM not attacking you,I just think that if everybody would just learn how to tune
an edlebrock,instead of complaining bout them-edlebrock afbs would get more credit
as being a great carb.they do work-just a overpriced carter AFB
HEMIS seemed to like afb carbs as most mopar mucsle (and thermoquads) (but just between us,should have a q-jet or a holley-just for the GM feel )
67 rat


no edelpuke for me, thanks:D

no edelpuke for me, thanks:D

I didnt like the edlepuke(yea they do that un -tunned) on my 70 xr-7,but then knowing no carb works out of the box.
I tunned it and I have nothing bad to say bout them, they work like any other afb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no not a ford guy-had the chevelle also-dumped the xr-7 for a STREET/STRIP chevy II!!
rth

I just put an Edelbrock 750 on my car and it made a huge difference over the quadrabog

I just wanted to thank everyone for all your advice about my car being slow. The electric choke on my carb was not working (the fuse was blown) the timing was way off and the plugs were a mess.
N0W I HIT THE GAS FROM A SLOW ROLL AND THE TIRES BREAK LOOSE :hurray: :beers: :thumbsup:

Jrockr26(name?) is not spam, welcome.

His Edelbrock carb has been redeemed - simple tune up stuff.

The negative Edelbrock carb comments are just plain ignorant. http://www.patmusiperformance.com/index.php?categoryid=16 The Carter/Edelbrock type of carb is a good choice for general performance cars. Learn to tune before you make disparaging comments.

Post some pics when you can.

Thomas

Glad you got it squared away :thumbsup:

I had a 65 GTO and a 71 442 that someone had installed Edelbrock 750's on...both cars ran great.Personally,I am a Holley guy but I can't knock something that works fine.