help me make a move...engine questions
 

forgive me for the book. i've been on this forum for a while, and i have yet to get anything done with my truck except the interior. it's an 84 shortbed. i really want to dive into the truck, but the engine has been holding me up for so long. i feel like it's the next/biggest step in order to be able to move on to the other stuff. i want a daily driver, but with a little more oomph. i am 99% sure it has a 350 in it now, but unsure how old it is. i know it's not the original motor. the transmission is a 700r4. when the truck runs, it runs relatively well, but my choke light comes on, it seems to run hot, and it stinks real bad (exhaust fumes). there are no major leaks from the engine or tranny, just around the oil pan gaskets. i wouldn't trust it to go too far, and i want it to be more reliable. i don't know if something as simple as replacing the carb would help out w/ the fumes, or if i want to get a new gm crate motor and accessory kit from jegs. that way, i'll have the engine done, and not have to worry about it. what kind of tests can be done to the engine to see if it should be replaced, or if i have a good engine. unfortunately, i have no mechanical skills, so it's gonna cost me to get the information i am looking for.:waah:

Re: help me make a move...engine questions
 

Before replacing anything, check: clogged cat? plugged exhaust? engine crompression test, ignition timing, bad timing chain/gear. These old small blocks usually run like stink, untill some of the above items start to go.

Re: help me make a move...engine questions
 

Agreed.

If it smells bad from the exhaust, it may just need to be tuned properly. You might even take the carb off and give it a rebuild and then try to tune it. Rebuild kits can be had for about 20-25 bucks from autozone or wherever, and usually come with a diagram. If no diagram, pick up a haynes or chilton manual. They both do. Once you get the carb rebuilt, you can get it tuned properly. The choke light coming on is probably just because it's not adjusted right.

You can also buy a timing light for about 40 bucks, and I'm sure you can find something online that shows you how to time it. If not, I can explain it for you.

If it's got a worn timing chain, it will most likely have a slight stumble upon acceleration, but if you've got a stumble, that could also be carb related, so don't jump the gun too quick. I can also show you how to check for a worn gear.

Other than that, basic tune ups usually do the trick. It's an old chevy, it's gonna leak oil. Sad, but it's life. My 15k mile crate motor already leaks at the rear main. not bad, but enough to piss me off!

Re: help me make a move...engine questions
 

after some thinking about it, i will get a compression test done to get an idea of what's going on internally. if it is ok, then i think i will just replace the intake manifold and carb for a slight performance increase. i plan on getting new exhaust from the headers back anyway, but i wanted to get the engine figured out first. thanks for the suggestions.

Re: help me make a move...engine questions
 

What does this motor have on it for a carb? Is the distributor still controlled by the computer, or has it been replaced with an HEI? (I suggest an HEI upgrade with your intake change). Does the local SMOGGIES require you to be a good citizen---or can you make such changes and get away with it?

A suggestion for you upgrade would be to go with a good dual plane intake, a NON-computer controlled carb (your choice--I have my favorites), a 180 degree T/stat, an HEI distributor (I got a billet rebuild from the "Carb Shop" at a price less than what is in Summit--it has lasted me better than 10 years without trouble). A good exhaust system and a good air cleaner for more air flow.

Re: help me make a move...engine questions
 

being in Ft worth, i know we have the smog testing, etc. but im not sure of the year that they cut it off... might be inportant to find out. If youre going to be opening up the top end to replace the intake, i reccommend replacing the cam, lifters, push rods, etc. I mena, youre already in there, go ahead and spend a little more, make it have a little more oomph, and not have to worry about it for a much longer time. Thats my opinion. Do it right and leave it be.

Re: help me make a move...engine questions
 

After a quick check, it appears i have the original rochester quadrajet. the id number is 17084226. there's a number on the bottom that to the best i can read, 2223 HOD. not sure what the second number is. i don't believe it is a computer controller distributor. it's the stock distributor which i believe is an HEI. i plan on upgrading the ignition later, but you think i should do it at the same time? i still have to have a visual emissions inspection, but they don't run it past the sniffer. they only require it for 2-24 years. anyway, here's a pic of the dizzy.