Steve Shauger's "Reliving My Youth" 1969 Z/28

[Steve Shauger]

I just installed the headers, radiator hoses & filled, distributor and oil primed the engine (since it sat for 5 months). Upon startup the rear on carb stuck and I shut it down. I was inspecting for leaks and found the fuel pump weep hole had fuel leaking out. Installed new pump and tapped on the carb rear float housing and she started up and ran at 1700 rpm for 10 minutes.

The rub is the engine has about 11 in of vacuum which make it difficult to tune the idle circuit, and the power brakes are not operating correctly. This is a pretty stout cam but it was dialed in before the rebuild with no issues. I am going to play with initial advance and may loosen the lash. It does sounds more radical than before so think the lifter lash may be a little tight. The car performs well at RPMs above 1500. Low oil pressure and vibration has been corrected. I will keep you posted