Tune Carburetor for Colorado Elevation 4500 FT

[Bill McDonald]

Hello all!

Was looking to put out there on the group chat - does anyone have any suggestions to tune the Carburetor for 1964 Cadillac 492 2 door 429 V8.

Does anyone have any resources they may suggest to tune or re build? I would even consider shipping the carb out to someone that specializes in this sort of thing.

History: The car was perfectly tuned and running like a top in Michigan . I then moved to Colorado and has since been a struggle to get it right. I've taken the car to (2) shops now who have said they could tune, and adjust the setting correctly, but without success.

Any help would be appreciated, as this is step 1 in the restoration effort to get the car to a daily running healthy status.

Thank you 

Bill McDonald 

[e-mail]

C: 989 751 2806

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Bill 

I would have the stock Carter carb rebuilt by a shop if needed as it is an excellent carb 

The reason I have an Edelbrock is a long story but it is a good replacement for the Carter 

The Edelbrock carb is so much like the stock Carter that you can use the Edelbrock tech’s  feed back on  changing jetting they will  recommend 

First examine your plugs at operating temp after a ride 

The plug color will indicate the adjustment required 

The two  carb metering rods - are under the two metal  flaps—-at the top of the Carter with a screw holding it down - it has a spring  action coming out so  go slow  and careful taking it out 

They want to pop up 

Do not drop any parts into the carb - you can stuff it with a rag 

The two metering rods have numbers on them —give them to the Edelbrock tech’s and they will advise you what numbers  to change too

The carb will have to be opened up if jet changing is needed - those jets are also numbered 

Front jets that have the metering rods -  are the  called primary jets 

The new parts  needed can be purchased over the counter at your local auto supply 

I used Advanced Auto for mine but was a number of years ago 

Plugs SB a brown paper bag color when right 

Whitish is lean and darker is to rich 

I would  make jetting adjustments - only-  after a complete fresh tune up is on spec and the carb mixture has been properly adjusted— then plugs examined for condition after a bit of riding  to evaluate  the engines  overall performance 

The jetting adjustment is the last fine tuning tweak  you will make to the tune up 

Most of our year Cadillacs stock carbs will need to go a bit richer on the primary jets  mixture due to the ethanol in the fuel we use today 

Enjoy 

[Bill McDonald]

Man Tony &Ginny!

 You're the best - that's really helpful. I am going to be kicking off that service work here shortly, and I will keep you posted on the progress. Thanks for the helpful and knowledgeable breakdown on what works etc.

Have an excellent evening