I've dropped a 306 into my 94. HCI is all edelbrock performer stuff. Is anybody else running this set up? I picked up 24lb injectors and a 70mm throttle body. On the first start, we had to keep the throttle wide open to get it to run and it barely hit 2k rpms. Finally started letting off and it'll rev higher now, but it still won't idle on its own. This is the first time I've done this, and I know it's vague... but what are my next steps? FWIW, I'm using the edl-3722 cam, I believe it has the same specs as an E-cam and in past research I've heard the 94-95's have a problem with the E-cam. Could this have anything to do with it?
Why won't my car idle? New 306 build w/ edelbrock performer HCI
- Thread starter DLo
- Start date
Stanger007
Founding Member
The cam will give you some grief if you are trying to get it to idle low.
Your upper intake @ EGR is not hitting the passenger's side valvecover by chance is it?
Wes
Your upper intake @ EGR is not hitting the passenger's side valvecover by chance is it?
Wes
drakesdad
Member
Been there done that....
Have you verified the recommended spark plugs........just asking.......
Black95GTS
Active Member
You have to tune it. Think about all the parts you changed on the car. It won't run worth crap until you tune it. Especially pay attention to the MAF and injector size. You can do it yourself via something like a TwEECer or PMS, or get a chip burnt from someone like Don at LaSota racing or get the car to a dyno facility and have them do it for you in person.
Adam
Adam
It runs and revs, but it'll die at idle. Spark plug wires are good, pretty sure that's all fine. I used an intake spacer so the valve cover would clear everything. I used the stock fuel rails and FPR, the aftermarket ones I ordered wouldn't clear. Fuel pump is stock too. I think I'll call up the local tuner and have them look at it too. Thanks for the help.
HankyGT
Member
Go over your base timing. I had mine all retarded, it was doin that ****.
Tuning shop had me put 10degrees advance in it before the tune (used to run 14btc), and I was just futzing with the dizzy getting it to idle.
I believe my issue was with fuel pressure. Give it about 43lbs and then reset the timing if you can get it to idle.
Took me about an hour, but it ran pretty freakin strong even pre-tune
Tuning shop had me put 10degrees advance in it before the tune (used to run 14btc), and I was just futzing with the dizzy getting it to idle.
I believe my issue was with fuel pressure. Give it about 43lbs and then reset the timing if you can get it to idle.
Took me about an hour, but it ran pretty freakin strong even pre-tune
Like said above, you'll need an increased idle speed with the new combo
For now ... I'd set the tb blade stop screw where it idles at 1000 rpm
Then ... track down any issues that usually crop up with a major project
like you just got done doing.
You know there are issues when you go WOT
and
You can only muster up 2 grand
You know ... make sure of things like
vacuum leaks
dizzy in correct time
valves adjusted correctly
isc functioning correctly
yada yada yada
After you get the bugs all sorted out
Start lowering your idle until you find what the combo likes
Here is a tip for you
If you go for what some consider ...
that cool lopie cam idle with a low rpm
The pcm can go nuts
if you try and go ... too low ... with the idle rpm
Good Luck!
Almost Forgot!
that oem pump is too small for that h/c/i combo :Word:
You don't wanna melt any pistons now ... Do You ???
Grady
For now ... I'd set the tb blade stop screw where it idles at 1000 rpm
Then ... track down any issues that usually crop up with a major project
like you just got done doing.
You know there are issues when you go WOT
and
You can only muster up 2 grand
You know ... make sure of things like
vacuum leaks
dizzy in correct time
valves adjusted correctly
isc functioning correctly
yada yada yada
After you get the bugs all sorted out
Start lowering your idle until you find what the combo likes
Here is a tip for you
If you go for what some consider ...
that cool lopie cam idle with a low rpm
The pcm can go nuts
if you try and go ... too low ... with the idle rpm
Good Luck!
Almost Forgot!
that oem pump is too small for that h/c/i combo :Word:
You don't wanna melt any pistons now ... Do You ???
Grady
94CobraPace
Founding Member
Car Nut
Founding Member
The OEM pump ... its so tiny
There is just not much reserve in it
Considering how old it is .........
It most likely is getting a bit weary and tired
Even if it was new ......
It just can't pump enough to keep up with the demands of a h/c/i combo
The larger 24's are gonna be asking for more fuel and that tiny pump
will never be able to provide the needed volume
Grady
I still have the stock hood, and it all fits. Just barely.
As for the fuel pump, well, my car is running rich right now though? You can smell it. Wouldn't that mean it's definitely getting sufficient fuel, so the stock fuel pump is fine? This is all new to me, so I apologize if my logic doesn't make sense
As for the fuel pump, well, my car is running rich right now though? You can smell it. Wouldn't that mean it's definitely getting sufficient fuel, so the stock fuel pump is fine? This is all new to me, so I apologize if my logic doesn't make sense
I still have the stock hood, and it all fits. Just barely.
As for the fuel pump, well, my car is running rich right now though? You can smell it. Wouldn't that mean it's definitely getting sufficient fuel, so the stock fuel pump is fine? This is all new to me, so I apologize if my logic doesn't make sense
You smell what seems to be a rich smell ........
which can be misleading from time to time
Never the less ... lets say you are a bit fat
You most likely smell it at idle where the pump has very little demand
placed upon it.
Now ... Lets go to the other extreme the pump can encounter ... WOT
You are at maximum load which is determined by the mass air meter
which in turn
Will result in the pcm commanding a maximum injector pulse width
It is here that the tiny pump just can't keep up with the more demanding
need for fuel all your new hot rod parts are asking for.
Grady
I suppose that makes sense. What fuel pump should I get then? 
I haven't been able to drive the car yet since the CAI doesn't fit up properly. We just jerry rigged it so we could start the car. I did rev it a couple of times to 4k RPMs, and as it gets higher it almost sounds like it's misfiring or something. Maybe this is what you are referring to?
I haven't been able to drive the car yet since the CAI doesn't fit up properly. We just jerry rigged it so we could start the car. I did rev it a couple of times to 4k RPMs, and as it gets higher it almost sounds like it's misfiring or something. Maybe this is what you are referring to?
I suppose that makes sense. What fuel pump should I get then?
I haven't been able to drive the car yet since the CAI doesn't fit up properly. We just jerry rigged it so we could start the car. I did rev it a couple of times to 4k RPMs, and as it gets higher it almost sounds like it's misfiring or something. Maybe this is what you are referring to?
Well ... A 190lph pump is plenty for a typical h/c/i combo
but
The larger 255lph can be had for ... IIRC ... 10 more bux or less
I just can't see how the larger size can hurt you
and
Many others besides myself have done that with no ill effects
I would like to make it clear
the OEM pump you now have should not cause any issues
at idle or driving around town with loads of 75% or less
Sounds like you still got some issues from the h/c/i project
Grady
I think so too, think you need a tune, my car would not idle or run without the chip it would just start sputter and die....
but with the chip everything is fine.
BlueSaph95GT
Member
check your timing and vacuum leaks as mentioned above. the dyno tune and custom chip was the best money i spent on my combo (unless you are good with the TwEECer). I had an SCT Flash Chip custom burned for my combo and it was worth every penny. If you need to get your combo tuned, two words to the wise - pull your computer out of the passenger kick panel (this will save you some dough on labor) and be ready to pay for an 02 bung to be welded into your x/h-pipe if you don't have an extra.
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