need an intake/carb recomendation

[jims427400]

I've pretty much given up trying to get the tripowers working on the 68 400hp. its frustrating becuase the 67 400 runs lika a top. Anything past idle and it runs great. idle is very rough and dies. I've increased idle just to keep it running. carbs were recently (2yrs ago) rebuilt.
I'd like to swap intake and carbs for something more dependable and possibly better performance. I'd prefer new but would rather not spend alot so if anyone has a slightly used combo I'd be interested.
what would you all recommend for a compatable compromise??
thanks all,
Jim

 

[jims427400]

BTW>> I'd like it to fit under my stock 427 hood..

 

[Hib Halverson]

Why not rebuild the center carb?

In the process carefully inspect the idle circuts and idle transfer circuits. Also take a look at the throttle shaft bores. Look for an internal vacuum leak. Check for restricted air bleeds. Cracked or warped baseplate

 

[Crimson Thunder]

How about just buying a new center carb from Holley. I believe they make repros of the original tri power carbs.(i know they do for the Mopars) It can't be more expensive than a new 4 barrel and intake.

 

[jims427400]

thanks for the suggestions, would seafoaming the engine cuase these symtoms?? I had just gotten the car back from mechanic and it was running pretty descent but was still hearing a ticking from right side of engine so I heard good things about seafoam(some bad too)foamed the engine and seamed to idle better but ticking still came back after it warmed up. then suddenly car dies at all stop signs and red lights. adjusted iddle screw just to keep it running.. any thoughts??
thanks again..

 

[Rex S]

thanks for the suggestions, would seafoaming the engine cuase these symtoms?? I had just gotten the car back from mechanic and it was running pretty descent but was still hearing a ticking from right side of engine so I heard good things about seafoam(some bad too)foamed the engine and seamed to idle better but ticking still came back after it warmed up. then suddenly car dies at all stop signs and red lights. adjusted iddle screw just to keep it running.. any thoughts??
thanks again..

Looks like a very nice car and with winter comming on and you being in Ohio, send the carbs to Holly for a complete rebuild and update espically if they are the OEM parts. They will look and act new when done.

 

[Evolution1980]

Sorry to hear about your tri-power woes. I've heard they can be a bitch to get running if/when they get out of tune. Visually though, it's my favorite setup with the triangular air cleaner. (L71 being my favorite engine)

If you are intent on swapping it out...what about the intake from the L88 or something similar with the respective 4 barrel Q-jet on top? Or do a resto-mod with a late model TPI setup? Those seem to be relatively inexpensive acquisitions.

 

[jims427400]

I've had some help from a nearby member and its running better. The idle mixture screws have been one of the problems. One thing I cant figure out is the idle mixture screw on the drivers side doesn't seem to be working.I screw it all the way in and engine doesn't die, and idle doesn't change at all.

Try the same test on the passinger side and the engine dies as I turn the screws in(clockwise).What can I adjust for the drivers side to respond to the screw??

The ticking that I have seems a little better after draining my oil(10w30 new type oil) and replacing with SAE30 Rotella T(another recommendation)

Jim

 

[tonyvdb]

I'd make sure there isn't a vacuum leak before doing anything else.

 

[73shark]

When the carbs were rebuilt, did they rebush the throttle shaft bores? That can be a source of some serious vacuum leaks.

Before sending your carbs to Holley, may want to check this: Holley Performance Bankrupt for Second Time in 20 Months

Evo1980: I believe the L-88 used a Holley on a hi-rise manifold, ergo the hood dome.

 

[jims427400]

I dont know what the throttle shaft bores are. can someone post an image showing a tripower broken down.
Whats the best way to determine if I have a vacuum leak
thanks

 

[gmjunkie]

I'd make sure there isn't a vacuum leak before doing anything else.

I dont know what the throttle shaft bores are. can someone post an image showing a tripower broken down.
Whats the best way to determine if I have a vacuum leak
thanks

The throttle shaft bores are the holes in which the throttle shaft passes through the carburetor!!Drivers side usually wares the most because of the throttle linkage pulling on it!

If the drivers side Idle air screw don't effect it I'd be willing to bet the bore and shaft are worn and leaking air! Even if it's not,you have a leak somewhere in the left side of the carb!!

While running spray WD-40 or other penetrating oil around the throttle shaft,and base plate of the carb,when you hit the leak you will tell a difference in the way the engine idles!!

Yeah,I play with Tri-Powers a little!

 

[jims427400]

thanks,
I'll give the wd40 trick a try next time i have it down.
Youd think for what i paid to have them rebuilt they'd a done it right.

 

[TimAT]

I have a 4 page .pdf on the tri=power setup. Mostly description and operation, not too much on maintenance tips. Anyone that would like a copy, let me know.

Tim

 

[Drjohn]

Before sending your carbs to Holley, may want to check this: Holley Performance Bankrupt for Second Time in 20 Months

The bankruptcy will not affect our interaction with customers. We have no plans on closing, or even disrupting the supply of product in the market.

Actually, we have some plans for introducing some new products in the near future.

 

[gold1969]

i have a 69 427/390hp Vette. I am going to change my factory intake and Quadrajet. To my knowledge and after looking for years, there is only one manifold that will fit under your big block hood. Its an Edelbrock Torker II. Its a single plane intake with a carb pad designed for a Holley carb. I like my quadrajet but if you have ever looked at a 427/390hp intake, its not a high rise or a low rise but for lack of a better word, a below rise. The runners dip below the intake ports then turn back up to go into the heads. With an L88 hood you can run just about any intake but not with your stock big block hood,

 

[paz72vette]

I heard the same thing. The Edelbrock Torker II was the only intake that would fit.

 

[shrekviper]

I have a Torker II and a Holley carb on my 69. It's a very tight fit. I have to use a bolt to hold down the air cleaner because the normal wingnut setup hits the hood.

I'm debating that, in a few years, when I do a complete frame off rebuild, I'm going to put in TPI. Any recommendations on a a tried and true setup? I've looked at the Edelbrock and Holley setups, but I don't know if it'll fit under the hood.