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Old December 19th 07, 06:19 AM posted to alt.autos.corvette
'Key
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Posts: 548
Default '84 crossfire to carburator conversion

"Fixitman" <fixitman333-at-yahoo.com> wrote in message
...
> I've been restoring a 82,000 mile 1984 Corvette for over a
> year now. During
> this process, I've made it a point to know how everything
> works. The
> electrical system was hacked up pretty bad, so this was my
> primary concern.
> Unfortunately, the car ran very poorly, so I had to fix
> that first. I
> initially wanted to convert to carburation, but found the
> price-to-benefit
> ratio to be a negative value.
>
> On the plus side:
> 1. The cluster only needs the ECM for fuel economy
> information. The rest of
> it will perform perfectly without the ECM.
>
> On the negative (note that the ECM will be effectively
> dead):
> 1. The transmission TV cable (throttle valve system) can
> be adapted to a
> carb, but will be difficult to syncronise properly.
> Result- shift points and
> kickdown are never quite right.
>
> 2. The TCC (torque converter clutch: overdrive) is
> controlled electrically
> by the ECM. Most aftermarket TCC kits are designed for
> off-road use, and can
> be a real PITA on the street. Leaving the TCC disabled
> means reducing fuel
> economy considerably above 45 MPH. Top speed will also be
> reduced.
>
> 3. The stock distributor will not advance timing properly
> without the ECM.
> Improper timing advance = extremely poor performance.
> Early
> centrifugal+vacuum advance distributors will work, but not
> as well as the
> original system. Once again, it would lose some
> streetability.
>
> 4. Emissions will be higher, because affordable carbs just
> aren't as
> effecient as fuel injection PERIOD. Emissions go up and
> fuel economy goes
> down, resulting in a loss of performance and "fun factor".
>
> I've been working on cars proffessionally for over a
> decade now. Once I
> realized just how much work was involved, and what I would
> lose, the
> decision was easy..... Fix The Crossfire. I later found
> that the fuel lines
> were severely corroded inside, severe enough to plug the
> fuel filter within
> a few days of replacement. I spent about $50 and about 5
> hours bending and
> installing new fuel lines, and couldn't be happier. The
> '84 runs great, and
> gets 18-20 MPG (if I keep the pedal off the floor).



my conversion and engine overhaul gets
"18-20 MPG (if I keep the pedal off the floor)".
has 375 to 400 HP and is very fun to drive..

my2¢
--
'Key
=====


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