Buffalo Dude

I've decided to tune up my car and I'm real close now, I promise :yesnod:
Anyway, I got some books from the library to help me out a little. I still need a little help though...

First off, some background info on my car: '75 coupe, L48, TH400, HEI, parts mostly stock.

My step dad has some old parts in the garage that I think I can use. They're new, just a little old. First question: do spark plugs or rotors have a shelf life?

Second question: what tools will I need to do a tuneup? I can get a timing light and vacuum guage from the garage.

Third question: what parts will I need? will I need new wires, module, etc?

Fourth question: I found a whole bunch of sparkplugs, brand new, AC Delco R45S, will these work with my car?

daily_driver

does your car have aftermarket headers??

if so then id use bosch platinums... they are much better sparkplugs IMHO.... they are smaller, and fit better with the aftermaket headers and they last longer.....shoot...even if u dont have aftermarket ones.,....


for a tuneup id start with swapping out old parts.... such as the following
-fuel filter
-air filter
-tranny filter
-oil filter and OIL
-sparkplugs
-pcv valve (if its not working...)
-dist cap if contacts bad and rotor....
-upgrade to an accel supercoil??...cheap upgrade...
-plug wires
-carb base plate gasket
-lube all frontend components and ujoints if equipped with zerks
-check betls...

after u get that stuff swapped out then id check the timing and vacuum...
make sure your timing is like ~12-16 initial and ~36 centrifugal+initial in at around ~2500 rpm... and a total of 45-55 with vacuum advance canister connected....(~2500 rpm or so...)

if your timing is OK then your vacuum should be ~18 or greater...(mines 21)

if your vacuum is low, then start tracking down the source of the error by plkugging hose by hose...

usually the headlights system, fuel canister, carb base plate gasket are sources of vacuum leaks..

i just found a new source recently....my vacuum advance can was bad....(if you notice no change with vacuum advance connected then its bad... you can suck on the vacuum hose going to it to see if the can is holding its vacuum or not..)

if you need any help, drop me an email

im on vacation and have nothing better to do!!!

:lol: :lol:

Buffalo Dude

Thanks, will go buy all the parts you suggested. Although, some of the stuff has already been taken care of, mostly out of necessity. Like air filter was replaced, radiator hoses are farely new, belts are fairly new and I check them regularly, front suspension was greased when I changed oil over the summer, etc.

Tranny filter is a good idea, maybe a new gasket too :smash:

daily_driver

of course when u do a tuneup you should crawl under the car and start looking 'round and see whut needs replacing....

do the suspension "wheel pulls" on the front and back wheels....

checkout the rear end gear lube....(perhaps add the posi additive to it)

etc..

too much crap too list!!!

:lol:

Buffalo Dude

Thanks a bunch, you're a lot of help :yesnod:

Since you seem to be superman, can you also help me with my tax dilema?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=200876