Ok...so I bought my 2nd gen already modified with a stroker kit, cam, heads, intake manifold, carb.

How the hell do I find out exactly what's in the damn thing? obviously I need to tear the motor down, but after thats done, how do I go about identifying the cam specs, head size, carb cfm rate, etc?

i'm only 19 and pretty clueless about hardcore technical details. I'd really like to know what my motor has before I go about seeking new mods for it.

Should I just take the damn thing to a shop to do this? How much would this process run?

*scratches head*

The way I see it you've got two options really. a) Drive it 'til it breaks and enjoy it, or, b) Spend the next couple weekends or so tearing the motor down and ID'ing all the parts.

If the car runs strong why mess with it. Is this a street only car, or race only car? Is it sluggish off the line (or actually off idle)? Do you really gotta get on it pretty good to get it moving? Or does it feel like it runs out of power past 4000 rpm? There a lot of things I would consider (and ask questions on this board) before just opening up the motor to see what's inside, you need a goal.

PS- don't take it to a shop for this, unless you don't have (can't get) any of the following: SAE 3/8" & 1/2" socket set, wrenches, a couple screwdrivers, a timing light, a SBC V-8 repair manual, a garage w/ a workbench. Specialty tools can be rented from Autozone.

ACG

[This message has been edited by acg73Z/28 (edited March 31, 2005).]

its actually VERY strong, definitely puts you in the seat.

only problem is that when taking off from a standing start or a 10mph roll, the engine tends to cough as if the AFR is way off...cant tell if its too rich or too lean.

my goal for this car is just to have a nice street bruising motor...which it pretty much already has, I'd just like to bulletproof it as it's my daily driver.

If you want- just take it into a reliable shop.. if you don't know of one... try a dealership, though thats expensive. And get them to try and cure your little problem. I wouldn't look into an entire rebuild.. do you have any way of contacting the previous owner and just asking whats in it?

negative. The guy had it rebuilt and the engine bulder didnt document ANYTHING.

the engine has only 2-300 miles on the rebuild tho...

Your bog can be caused by a number on things. Check the timing first. Then you can look into what size squirter and step cam you have on the carb. All you need for that stuff is a basic carb manual based on what kind of carb you have. If its a Holley then doing that kind of stuff is easy.

Those kinds of problems are very common on a fresh motor with a new combination.