View Full Version : Needs Lifters/Carb work...Asking for Suggestions


Big Block Deville
02-01-08, 06:41 PM
Hi Folks,
My 1974 472 DeVille has turned out to be a great car given I only paid $550 for it.
DAILY DRIVER.
It is growing on me, and has issues that need to be addressed...
I plugged/wired it, and bought a Carb rebuild Kit for it from a linky on this site.
The carb kit is still in its package, the engine is completely stock.

1. When the accelerator is floored, the engine falls flat on its face, FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS, then wakes-up and goes. It seems to want to start dying out where the secondarys come in(basing that on the sounds it makes as I am pushing down the pedal).
If I ease into it, it still hesitates a bit at the secondary point of throttle travel, then goes harder than when punched.(fishtails with this car are an experience not to be missed).
Occasionally, when I let off there will be a small backfire, but not usually.
One of the mufflers had been destroyed from this I am sure.

The $25 Q-Jet rebuild kit I got has no Float valve, should I go ahead and get one?
Will the kit I have fix the performance issue I am having?

Plot Thickens...

2. There is and has been lifter noise since I got the car, has not changed at all in the 2 or 3k I've put on it. Changed oil to M1 10w40.
I obviously have to go in and replace the lifters, and likely the timing chain/gears, do I get another cam while I am at it?
In my reading around here I notice that some ppl say change it, others say leave it.
If I am going to pull the manifold, its getting modded. Do I gasket match the manifold/heads? At that point I think I might as well pull the heads have em gone over and port those intake/exhaust openings as well.
There will be a replacement of whole exhaust and Headers. Which is the better collector size for a mildly modded DD 1974 472, 2.5" OR 3"? Do I need an H or X Pipe?
What lifters do I use? Rhoads Lifters look like a winner to me...

I'm keeping it as a DD, so maybe the stock cam will be sufficient?
If this Q-Jet is screwed, I'll get another carb same 750 CFM I guess. I don't like Holleys tho. Thoughts there?

What would you all do if you had a silly carb and a bad lifter situation in your 472, and what else would you veterans do to it, given this situation is I guess what I'm asking...

Thank you so much,:hide:

paul

cadillac_al
02-01-08, 07:19 PM
I would look down the carb and pump it to see if it is squirting gas in there. If no gas then there is the hesitation and it needs a rebuild. If it is squirting gas, then I would look to see if anyone has been monkeying with the choke and secondary linkage (fairly common) If all looks normal then I would warm it up to operating temp, and with the air cleaner off, I would blip the throttle quickly to see what the secondaries are doing and adjust accordingly.

If you do decide to rebuild the carb then you should put a new needle and seat/float valve while you are at it. You might as well search the net about rebuilding Quadrajets and epoxy those well plugs that usually leak. Is your timing and vacuum advance ok? If that hasn't been convertd to electronic ignition then you most definitely need a set of points in it. Good luck and enjoy the cheap ride.

Big Block Deville
02-01-08, 07:24 PM
If that hasn't been convertd to electronic ignition then you most definitely need a set of points in it. Good luck and enjoy the cheap ride.

She's an HEI, I got the right boots on there and the whole bit. I have not played with the timing, and vac's hooked right to the carb, still acts the same as when vac was on the factory way...
Thanks for your reply, I'll do all that!

paul