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when i drove my truck for the first time with the v8 setup, i was very disappointed. it takes a while to get up to speed. it is as if there is no power at all. I am running a 1981 305,Saginaw, stock rear end.
any thoughts? thanks

Timing,loading up,to tall gearing , need more info.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

Sounds like a overly rich bog or timing issue . Have you checked the plugs for black soot or white lean condition . What is the initail timing? Is the vacuum advance working ? Do you have a cat converter ? is it plugged? I'm with TJ more info needed .

i think i timed it to 2 on the timing gauge. haven't tuned the carb yet so it could be running rich. at the moment i am running only headers with glasspacks. no cat converter. how do you check if the advance it working or not? i will check the plugs tomorrow after work and get back to you.

Sounds like a timing issue. Did you have the distributor out of the engine during the install? It could cause this if it is installed improperly.

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Is that 2* before or after top dead center ? Mine always run better with about10 to 12 degrees advanced . Set the timing with vacuum plugged off and then put vacuum back on and rev up motor a little while watching timing marks with timing light it should move.

Disconnect the vac adv and check you timing ,min should be 8 btdc small blocks run better at 12-16 If you have access to a adjustable timing light check your total timing,it needs to be in the 34-38 area ,if you get close to this then you don't need the vac adv as it is for economy and most people don't know how to set them up any how.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

checked the plugs, they are black. is that lean or rich? by 2 i meant the second notch on the timing gauge. i think 1 is the lowest acceptable and 2 is the next accepable. could it be the trany at all. feel kind of like driving in 4-lo but i don't have a 4x4. i heard from a guy that if my exhaust pipes are to big then they rob the engine of low end power could that be a possibility?

Black indicates a rich condition. I'm not familiar with the timing gauge that you are using. Give us a little more info on the gauge and I'm sure someone on here will be able to help.

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If you think no one cares, try missing a couple of payments...



FIAA!

SFPP!

well it is the gauge that was on the engine when i got it. there are 4 notches on it and i assume the first notch is around 10 degrees. the second is probably around 12-15 degrees.

Are you running any kind of cam, or just stock? What carb? Hows the tranny shifting? Are you sure the ebrake isnt on? Kinda dont have alot to go off of, so just a couple qustions for you to answer so we get more info......

well i doubt that its the tranny or the gearing. the tranny should be geared fine for the 410s in the rear.

if your plugs are black your runnin rich. now is this timing indacator a stock piece or aftemarket one like from autozone or something?

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"but its that gut feeling of you're drawn to what feels right for yourself and what you're passionate about..."

Before you even think about the carb you will have to get your timing right. Quick tip; plug off the vac adv the loosen the dist and turn it until the motor runs the best then back it up until you here the motor start to labor then tighten down the dist then drive it and see how it runs ,you may have to try a couple of times but you can get to work and leave the vac adv pluged until you are done in fact you can live very well with out it.After you get the timing set where it needs to be then look at the carb. remember THAT THE TIMING ALWAYS HAS TO BE SET FIRST THEN THE CARB. good luck and you are getting good advice from the guys here

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

Might be wise to verify that TDC and the zero timing mark line up...

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79 Black Mikado longbed with AT & AC...

i am running a stock cam. don't know what brand of carb but it is a four barrel. trany shifts smooth, little trouble with third gear. i had to cut the ebrake equipment off the truck to get the headers on so i couldn't be that. TDC and zero line up fine. i am going to try tj's advice tonight and see what happens.

i tuned the timing and the engine sounds and runs good. but the problem is still happening. i am having high rpms and low speed and no pull when accelerating. is this still timing?

Were do you have the vac line off the tranny going to? I am hesitent to say its in your timing, but, what timing light are you using? Just the auto flash type, or the adjustable one? I just don't know why you are having this trouble?????? You should be launchin the truck with the set up you have!!!!! Something aint right

i am not aware of any vacuum line on my tranny. all i know about it is that it is a manual three speed i got from a customer at work.

i just had a thought. when i put in the manual tranny i also installed a hydro clutch kit. the kit came with spacers so that the through out bearing could reach the clutch. i first installed the the kit with 3 spacers and it wasn't enough to fully encage the clutch so i went up to 5-6 spacers. could my problem be that my clutch isn't fully disengaging?

sounds like a possibility... I'd think you'd be able to smell the slipping clutch though...
maybe there is something making the flywheel slick?

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79 Black Mikado longbed with AT & AC...