Buffalo Dude

My car needs a tune up because it's running a little rough. I'd like to do it myself so I know how to do it and so I can save a few bucks over sending it in to Bubba. :smash:
I've never tuned a car before, so is this something that I'll be able to handle because I can buy all the parts and equipment and I have the service manuals. I can do oil changes and just changed out the gaskets on the valve covers, but that's about the extent of my experience.

If this is something I can do myself, what do I need?
BTW, it's a '75 L48 with TH400

1980 razz

try with the basics..change the fluids,replace spark plugs and wire cables,check distributer cap for wear,air filter,gas filter..these things are so easy..i thought i needed a major tune-up but after these things were done it ran like a champ and still does...lol

daily_driver

the best tools you can buy for the bucks is as follows:

1. vacuum guage./

2. timing light with dial...

R. Bruno

Does this car have HEI (electronic) ignition? If so, the tune-up is that much easier. Plugs and wires, (which are a bit of a hassle but not very technical,) and a new distributor cap and rotor (easy), timing (you will need a timing light) but not difficult, change the air filter(easy), maybe fuel filter (a little harder but not much) and you are done.

This is definately something you can do yourself. If it has points in the dist., a little harder but still very doable. Considering how often this will have to be done, you should learn how to do it. On a scale of 1 to 10 10 being an engine rebuild (way beyond my skill), I would say this is a 2.

PatsLs1vette

you should be able to handle it like bruno said hei is much easier then points get a cap rotor plugs wires fuel filter air filter pcv valve and the little breather element (if its stock air cleaner still)and youll be set.good luck

Captain Morgan

You need patience and tolerance. You will need to remove the heat shields around the plugs and possibly the starter. Some plugs will need to be removed from above the car while others are removed from below. I bought Bosch Premium wires from Autozone and they seemed to be very close to the correct length. On wires 1-4, you will need to pull the boots off the old wires (or just cut the ends) to remove them from between the engine and mounts. You will need to remove the boots to install the new wires. Cap and rotor are pretty simple, just make sure you install them in the same configuration as you removed them. I would leave the fuel filter alone unless absolutely necessary as it's very easy to strip out the nut on the carb (see Lars' post on repair if you do strip it out). Can't think of much else right now. Good luck.

427V8

Remember...Everyone starts at the beginning!

Buffalo Dude

Thanks guys. I get paid this Friday so I'll have some money for new things. i think I can get a hold of a vacuum guage and I can probably pick up a timing light. Air filter's new, not sure about fuel filter. And unless someone changed my dist(which I don't think they did) it should be the HEI.

GTR1999

Don't know where you live,but if in CT then bring it over and I'll show how to tune it. I have all the tools and testers.
Gary

Buffalo Dude

Thanks for the offer, but I'm on the west coast. Southern California to be exact. A little bit far to go for a tuneup (unless you can turn it into a 900hp torque-ing(sp?) machine just from a tuneup :crazy: ) Thanks anyway.

Thanks again to everyone for your help. I'll probably pick up what I need tomorrow.

GTR1999

OK- good luck, wish I was in Southern Ca for the winter!
gary