[Sharps40]

Quick email to Stovebolt Engine Company this morning....

Mr. Langdon,

Astro Van T5 I got from you and the new Chevy (Oreilly Auto) long block 250 I6 is in, running and we are about 2500 miles down the road.

Trans is fantastic, quiet, smooth and markedly improves the driving experience. Thanks! It went in with no serious modifications, simply lowered the factory emergency brake cross member under the frame and slid the T5 in with all GM spec parts (new 11" flywheel, clutch/plate and short throwout bearing). We upgraded to heim jointed clutch linkage and rebuilt the pivot shaft.

Gas mileage is hovering around 16.8 to 17.2 combined mpg while breaking in the engine. I suspect at the next oil change I'll get serious with readjusting the Weber 32/36 and timing. For now running the settings below my signature.

Going to try several tanks of pure mid or hi test gasoline as we are still struggling with a slight amount of post shut down percolation into the secondary. Changed needle and seat and it holds pressure fine....bubbling was reduced slightly with an insulating gasket on the adapter. I'm assuming this will be a chronic problem with 10% ethanol gasoline and may wind up insulating the manifold to block radiant heat.

I probably need to also tweak the main jets for the primary a bit smaller as the mileage should be a bit higher and the secondary is slow with a slight hesitation when you thump the pedal. Just trying to decide if I should jet/tune by feel or use a wide band O2 sensor to help map out the carbs performance across the board.

But, overall, the package is wonderful. I'm keeping up with and in some cases passing interstate traffic. 70 mph is comfortably achieved. We did go ahead and add 67 C10 power brake booster to help compensate for the increased acceleration and top speed.

Photo attached. See ya on the road sometime, we are back to reliable daily transportation with the upgrades and your help.

Folks always ask if it’s a V8. Old timers always tell me I got the better engine in the I6, I agree!

Settings:

89 to 93 Octane
17 degrees BTDC, GM Electronic Ignition, Ported Vacuum
500 rpm hot idle speed, smooth as glass
70 idle jet, 1.5 turns rich
Idle butterfly screw 1.5 turns from first contact
65 secondary jet
125 primary main jet
165 secondary main jet
170 primary air jet
160 secondary air jet