My 73 saga

[BillyBlaze]

Some of you guys helped me with my truck, getting it running enough to get it to the engine builder.
I have a pretty straight 73 heavy half ton 454
bought it cheap....but am paying high...lol
anyhow here's what I have done thusfar....
new parts
coil
starter
plus and wires
quadrajet
cap
battery
ignition switch
steering box

since it's been at the builders....
Engine
exhaust from manifold back with glasspacks
thermostat, water pump
tranny seals, front rear and pan
intake manifold

I will post some pictures when I get it back from the builders.
I had them paint the block Chevy Orange, they found a crack in the intake manifold so I am having them put on an edlebrock (sp?).
After I get it back it will be tires and wheels and a little brake work, then I might paint it back the original configuration....with the minor body work needed...seals etc

Here's some pics of the truck
http://www.billyblaze.net/chevy/chevy.html

[N2TRUX]

Some times a bargain isn't really a bargain. I still think your doing just fine. I really like this truck.

[72BlckButy]

Sounds like many of the builds here on this site.

I'm with Ken, that is one clean '73. Good luck with the rest of the build!

[BillyBlaze]

Thanks guys, i figure after this most of the big stuff is out of the way.

[JohnC]

That's a great looking truck. Sounds like you have a good momentum going. Keep us updated, and we love pics.

[sperz1]

Take comfort in the fact that you know the changed parts are solid now!

[BillyBlaze]

Originally Posted by sperz1

Take comfort in the fact that you know the changed parts are solid now!

Yep, I had the chance to do it half assed but figure it makes no sense to spend all the money I have and have to go back in there and do it right later on down the road.
I want to be able to pull anything, haul anything and drive aross the country if needed...solidity

[old Rusty C10]

any old truck is goiong to need a ton of work.. luckilly the reliability of these things is so good that youre set for another 30 years... as to the paint job.. if you do the original configuration that woodgrain stuff is very pricey.. id consider doing the center part in the white they offered to keep the costs down

[BillyBlaze]

where would i find the woodgrain stuff, I figured it would be pricey but I want to keep it as original as possible from the outside.

[jchav62]

Beautiful truck! Sounds like you're doing everything right... Can't wait to see your progress..

[truckfan]

Originally Posted by BillyBlaze

where would i find the woodgrain stuff, I figured it would be pricey but I want to keep it as original as possible from the outside.

was looking at redoing a wagon a while back and found it in rolls online. lots of options that are not probably exactly correct, but close.

i have commented on your truck before. i love it.

[BillyBlaze]

Originally Posted by truckfan

was looking at redoing a wagon a while back and found it in rolls online. lots of options that are not probably exactly correct, but close.

i have commented on your truck before. i love it.

Do you remember where you found them?
I sure would appreciate it if you do

[BillyBlaze]

OK, so I still have the truck at the engine builders.....
Well it's back there anyway.
Picked it up and discovered that the quadrajunk wasnt opening the back two barrels which made it run like a well behaved 305ci 2 barrel, but I have a 4 barrel 454!
Anyhow.... what I have decided since obviously these guys cant find their arse around a quadrajunk, is I am going to replace it with a new Edlebrock carb and intake and would like some reccomendations on what you think would work best....maybe what you are running in this combo of intake manifold and carb.
Any help is always appreciated and since I am going on week 7 without my truck I am getting a little testy...lol

Got some wheels and tires on it now and the engine looks, runs and sounds really really good, i am pleased with the work with the exception of the huge loss in power due to carburation issues.

Pics will follow when I do get it back for more than a day and have an opportuity to snap a few.

[dan76]

Suggest looking at the Barry Grant line of carbs......great tuneability and prices are not out of line. Get an EB intake dual plane for good useable street power, especially since you indicate you want an all purpose truck.

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by BillyBlaze

obviously these guys cant find their arse around a quadrajunk,

Sooo...... If these guy's can't do anything with one of the simplest carbs on the market, What makes you think they can properly tune a performance carb ?


For best fuel economy and reliability for a daily driver purchase a rebuilt Q-jet and install it yourself, Put a vacuum gauge on a constant vacuum port then adjust at idle until you get as close to 20" vacuum as possible.

For what it's worth; I've built/tuned many carbs over the years. The Demon that came on my 502 is the biggest POS I've ever seen, I heard the same from other guys around town. It's getting slam-dunked in the trash soon as I get my Q-jet built......

[dan76]

Originally Posted by Restrorob

For best fuel economy and reliability for a daily driver purchase a rebuilt Q-jet and install it yourself, Put a vacuum gauge on a constant vacuum port then adjust at idle until you get as close to 20" vacuum as possible.

For what it's worth; I've built/tuned many carbs over the years. The Demon that came on my 502 is the biggest POS I've ever seen, I heard the same from other guys around town. It's getting slam-dunked in the trash soon as I get my Q-jet built......

Good tech advice.

However if you're getting rid of your Demon carb......I'll take it. I've installed a Demon on a friend's car and she's happy with it.

[BillyBlaze]

I should mention this is a brand new rebuilt quadrajet by Holley and has less than 100 miles on it.

[Restrorob]

Billy,

That's a shame...... Check with your local GM dealer and see what they would charge to check this carb out ? It would have to be cheaper than buying another carb and having the same problems finding someone to tune it.

You can google Q-Jet and find all sorts of tech/tune articles that would help straighten this one out.

---------------------------------------------------------

Sorry dan76,

This Demon has left me on the roadside 5 times flooding out at traffic lights. After the first time, I installed new floats and float needle valves (from Berry Grant) new fuel filters one before the pump and after then a new return pressure regulator set at 6 lbs. (6 to 71/2 is spec.). I have nearly worn the float valve lock nuts out trying different levels other than spec, I don't know what the deal is with these carbs... I see them on vehicles at shows and you can tell they flood by the brown fuel stains on the intakes.....

This one..... Well..... It gets the sledge treatment before the slam-dunk.....

[BillyBlaze]

Originally Posted by Restrorob

Billy,

That's a shame...... Check with your local GM dealer and see what they would charge to check this carb out ? It would have to be cheaper than buying another carb and having the same problems finding someone to tune it.

You can google Q-Jet and find all sorts of tech/tune articles that would help straighten this one out.

---------------------------------------------------------

Sorry dan76,

This Demon has left me on the roadside 5 times flooding out at traffic lights. After the first time, I installed new floats and float needle valves (from Berry Grant) new fuel filters one before the pump and after then a new return pressure regulator set at 6 lbs. (6 to 71/2 is spec.). I have nearly worn the float valve lock nuts out trying different levels other than spec, I don't know what the deal is with these carbs... I see them on vehicles at shows and you can tell they flood by the brown fuel stains on the intakes.....

This one..... Well..... It gets the sledge treatment before the slam-dunk.....

Well here is why I am thinking of changing over,....I cant find anyone in this area that REALLY knows how to tune a quadrajet however many can do the newer carbs...also the local parts store where I bought the reconditioned Q is willing to take it back and give me the full total spend towards the Edlebrock of my choice.
I figured that I can also get the builder to send back the Edlebrock intake that is made for the Q and exchange it for one to fit the carb I choose, then it should be pretty much install, crank and drive away with a functioning carb.
Anyway thats my train of thought

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by BillyBlaze

then it should be pretty much install, crank and drive away with a functioning carb.

Best of Luck !

[KQQL IT]

Dont feel bad about the money youve got something no one else has got. My 73 was given to me and its cost me a ton so far and a ways to go yet but its mine...

[BillyBlaze]

ok back again,....it seems as though the original mechanic that worked on the truck was out the day I took it back.
Luckily I think the guy that didnt know what he was doing didnt do and major damage to the newly rebuilt carb.

I am going to pick up the beast this morning, they say the back 2 barrels are opening up now and everything is functioning properly.

If things are cool this time I will snap some more pictures and post them of the engine bay, new shoes, and exhaust system.

Next in line will be replacing some brake components, and shocks....then I am just going to wing it....LOL maybe let the truck do something for me for a change.

I will look into also getting a fairly good recording of the pipes, maybe a YouTube short.

Thanks for the help and suggestions, so glad I found you guys

[Damien]

If it still isn't right, I would look for an old mechanic that has worked with Q-jets. Maybe a small shop in a small town or rural area. I'm 26 and have rebuilt many carbs. So far there has only been one that I have not been able to get right, because someone else had warped and bent parts.

[BillyBlaze]

As promised here are some pictures, same link but the new ones are at the bottom of the page showing a cheap seat cover, tires and wheels, and the rebuilt motor with new Edlebrock 750cfm carb and performer intake.

Can the experts take a look at the carb and see if anything looks out of place, besides the cruise control line not being hooked up and the throttle spring attached to the manifold.
I have a new bracket that I am going to install to fix both of these little things.

It seems that when I really put the foot to it, the truck hits passing gear and the 4 barrels open NOW but the truck just doesn't seem to go any faster....trying to figure this out.

Thanks, here's the link (scroll to the bottom)
ps thanks for all the help.
http://www.billyblaze.net:80/chevy/chevy.html

[menace121978]

looking good BillyBlaze! nice transformation... just 1 thing though, that air cleaner is known as a fire starter. looks cool and all but i'd get another to be on the safe side.

its just like the glass fuel filters... ask me how i know.