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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: lt1kicker on May 16, 2007, 04:23:20 pm

Title: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: lt1kicker on May 16, 2007, 04:23:20 pm
Just picked up a 79 Scottdale 4x4 last night.  Runs good for an old truck, but has some issues that need corrected before I put it on the road.  The carb needs rebuilt, an old Quadrajet on the 350.  Should I replace it or get someone to rebuild it? 

The lights dim and brighten w/ engine speed.  Is this a sign of alternator or voltage regulator failure? 

Lots of oil leaking from the valve covers.  Should I R&R the intake gasket when I replace those as well? 

Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: Captkaos on May 16, 2007, 10:14:10 pm
Q-jets are pretty easy to rebuild, but you can buy a reman from most major parts stores.

lights sound like a bad alternator.

I would just replace the valve cover gaskets.
Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: lt1kicker on May 17, 2007, 07:33:37 am
$294.30 for a rebuilt Q-jet from Advance.  I think I can actually save some $$ by going with a Holley.  Is that a good idea? 

Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: Blazin on May 17, 2007, 07:43:18 am
I would take a well tuned Q jet over a Holley any day. Better milage as long as you keep you foot out of the secondaries and in my opinion more reliable. I will say I have had excellent luck with the Holley 500 that I rebuilt four years ago on my 55. But have had bad luck other Holley's over the years, and have always been happy with my Q jets.
Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: lt1kicker on May 17, 2007, 10:49:18 am
Well, I think I'll probably have my Q-Jet rebuilt.  Not a problem.  Just have to find someone to do it.  A lot of people say it's a PITA. 
Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: Captkaos on May 17, 2007, 05:23:53 pm
I have to agree with Blazin.  I wouldn't put a Holley on anything that I wanted reliability out of.  If it was a race car that I was always working on, sure.

I never really had problems rebuilding one.  I picked up a q-jet from Autozone for about $250 a last year.
Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: VileZambonie on May 17, 2007, 08:14:32 pm
It's not a PITA it's easy. I can do it with my eyes closed practically. Your rebuild kit comes with a part explosion. If you've never done it before just lay everything out carefully and orderly or spend $250 at autozone and get a reman
Title: Re: Help w/ 79 Scottsdale
Post by: lt1kicker on May 17, 2007, 08:39:02 pm
I think I'll rebuild it.  It's not running very bad at all, so that's probably all it needs.