Got a question guys. For some reason, my car tends to have a slight hesitation problem when pulling away from a dead stop. Actually, it's not really a hesitation issue, but I usually need to feather the clutch a bit and raise the rpms, or the engine seems like it will cut out. I think I usually have this problem when I run a drop base open element air cleaner, vs. the stock one for my '77 Z28.

Could this have something to do with the lid of the open element air cleaner being too close to the quadrajet and actually robbing it of some air? I've heard there should be a minimun distance from the carb air horn to the air cleaner lid. Not sure how true that is however.

Or, do I just need to play with my mixture screws perhaps.

Thanks.

Is the engine at operating temps when this happens?? or is it only when it's cold??
The reason I ask... is the difference in air cleaners: open element allows in colder air while the stock model warms the air first.

My car did that and I adjusted the valves and it got better.

Is the engine at operating temps when this happens?? or is it only when it's cold??
The reason I ask... is the difference in air cleaners: open element allows in colder air while the stock model warms the air first.

77thor,

It actually does it when the car is fully warm and the choke has been wide open for awhile. It’s strange. The engine is running perfectly fine, yet it’s just a bit more difficult for me to leave from a standing stop then when I have the factory original air cleaner on. I’ve even incurred this problem when I’ve only replaced the lid of the factory air cleaner assy. with a smaller diameter chrome lid. (in an attempt to get more air into the carb).

I think it might have something to do with the increase in airflow and how it affects the fuel air ratio. Meaning, it’s getting more air with the different air cleaner.

The problem (albeit a minor one), shows itself when I’m going up through the gears too. As I shift, the car tends to slightly buck a bit, (again not that the engine is missing or anything).

I think I just need to get in there and mess with the mixture screws perhaps.