Hi guys ... starting with a really rough '79 Camaro

Shantox · 02-03-2010, 11:05:34 PM

Hi guys,

I have surfed these forums for a couple of weeks now and have gathered quite of bit of insight so thank you in advance

Basically I have just purchased a 1979 Camaro 305 2bbl for around a grand. The body only has one small ding in the passenger door and a few small rust spots here and there, though an entire paintjob is definitely needed but sadly will be last on the list.
It burned a little rich and was pretty sluggish when I bought it, not much power at all. I wanted to get the Dual-Jet replaced so I went with a Summit Racing 600cfm and a matching Aluminum Intake. It is torn apart right now and I would like to share a few things that I found once I got a better look inside, so to speak.
First off the plugs were in desperate need of replacing as well as the wires, cap & rotor ... replaced all of that as well as throwing in a flame-thrower HEI coil. When I got the intake off I noticed that one of the ports were nearly clogged and only had a hole the size of a small marble in which to breathe through ... so I got all of that build-up cleaned out, making sure not to let any drop into the cylinder heads or the valley. Everything internal looked pretty good to myself as well as my neighbor who is pretty heavy hot-rodder. We found no oil leaks, no water leaks but are suspecting that the car was suffering from a vacuum leak and/or shot EGR. We are ditching the EGR with the new intake altogether and using new hoses and tubing/fittings for all vacuum lines.
The heater blower is shot and so is the cabling that selects hot or cold air, as well as the heater blower switch. Upon checking it out I discovered that the instrument cluster was electrical taped into the dash and the temp selector cabling completely in disarray.
I will post some pics in my gallery if anyone wants to check it out. Any advise would be PRICELESS. I am not a very mechanical person but I have always been able to take things apart and put them back together correctly and was very careful in marking everything when I tore into this motor. I think if I can get the distributor back in there correctly I will be OK

.
I will post as to my progress with this project .... my daughter who is 9 has kinda named the car "Old Blue" and I think I will let it stick

As soon as I figure out how to post pics I will get them up ... take care all and talk to you soon !

Shantox

73BadBob · 02-03-2010, 11:25:48 PM

Welcome. You have come to the right place. These guys have a wealth of knowledge. Plus seem pretty cool. They have helped me a lot so far with my build. Good luck.
There is a sticky thread somewhere on how to post pics. But go thru photobucket and that should help.

Welcome again. Look forward to watching your progress.

77mouse_maro · 02-04-2010, 03:21:50 AM

welcome , you have to be browsing here daily... alot of useful information is available.

brooksman9 · 02-04-2010, 12:12:56 PM

Welcome aboard. Looking forward to seeing some pics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shantox

.... my daughter who is 9 has kinda named the car "Old Blue"

I like this part since my 12 year old daughter has nicknamed mine "The Brown..." well, you get it. Starts with a T. lol

volsfan · 02-04-2010, 12:25:05 PM

LOL...my family has named mine "the little rolling turd". You gotta love a houseful of girls

.

Welcome to the site!

BP80Z28 · 02-04-2010, 03:51:41 PM

WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!!!

brooksman9 · 02-04-2010, 11:10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volsfan

turd!

Thats it.

adam78 · 02-04-2010, 11:36:44 PM

Hey welcome to the forum! I'm in the same boat as you, but mine has more rust and its a daily driver lol yeah I'm a niave teenager I know lol good luck though!

1981zapper · 02-05-2010, 12:38:38 AM

Welcome!! We need Pics!

Shantox · 02-06-2010, 11:35:51 PM

Here is a few links to my pics.

Gotta get that Flower Child off ASAP ! lol

Shantox

Shantox · 02-07-2010, 01:46:03 PM

Hey guys ... here are some extra pics after I returned from the first road test after getting everything put back together (except the kickdown cable) gonna need to find some kind of a bracket or linkage extension as it will only adjust out so far and is about 1 inch shy of allowing me to hit Wide Open Throttle. A complete engine replacement (block & heads will be in the future about a year or so out as will a new rear end gear and possible tranny. I will keep posting as to my progresses as there are MANY issues to address with this baby !

Enjoy and happy wrench turning to all !

sooner · 02-07-2010, 01:51:49 PM

Rough?? looks like a show car compared to mine

Welcome to the site, looks like you have a solid builder there.

Rene Melten · 02-07-2010, 01:58:24 PM

If it wasn't for this site and the people on it my Camaro would just be average. Welcome aboard!

72CamaroSS · 02-07-2010, 02:07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sooner

Rough?? looks like a show car compared to mine

Welcome to the site, looks like you have a solid builder there.

That's what I was thinking. That is a real nice buy.

Welcome aboard and good luck with it.

1971BB427 · 02-07-2010, 02:32:11 PM

I think you underestimate your Camaro. It's a very good looking car to start with. Many have started with much less than what you've got to start with!
Let me know how the Summit carb works out. I've heard good things about them, but haven't heard first hand from anyone who's used one yet.
Is that a sticker on the spoiler, or paint? If it's a sticker then your wife's blow dryer should soften it to make it easy to peel off.