i just bilt my first engine it is a 1982 302. i used the fel-pro, speed-pro , seald-pro kit from summit a summit cam kit #sum-k3601,with a duration of 218/228 lift of .471"/.471", and an edelbrock performer intake manifold and a 600 cfm. holley 4160.

my moter stalls out when i put it in gear and pulsate when driving in the city but runs great on the highway and in the drive way i have ben fighting this for abought a month now and an abought to give up and pay some one

 

either a vacuum leak or a timing issue. spray starting fluid around the intake gaskets and hoses while running. if the idle picks up by itself then you have a leak. you may also have carb tuning problems.

 

600 CFM is way too much for a 302. Holley recommends a 450 CFM (Super Tuning and Modifying HOLLEY Carburetors, p. 16). Overcarbing will cause low vacuum, which can effect shifting, braking, and idle. Put on a smaller carb and Ill bet your problem goes away.

 

I don't think a 600 CFM carb is to big for 302, but this is just my opinion. I've had two 302's with 600 carbureters and they ran great. Worst case senario if you are running to rich is jet it down.

 

600 is not to much. i have been reccomended the edelbrock 1406 600 cfm carb by many and i have one with no problems whatsoever

 

Its not a matter of running rich or lean, its a matter of poor volumetric flow at and near idle speeds, which causes the airflow across the venturi's to stall, thus causing the surging (pulsing) the original poster experiences. There are several things that will minimize the problem, but the best solution is to put the correct size carb on the engine. Second best is to richen the mixture to ensure enough fuel even under stall conditions. Third would be to increase the idle. Actually that would be my second option if you have an after-market torque converter.

Only changing the carb and raising the idle will solve the low vacuum problems though.

 

Changing the carb is not going to take care of your vacuum problem. Did you break the engine correctly? Rings not being seated will cause exactly what you are describing.

 

I would have to agree that a 600 is not too big for a 302. I've seen too many of them with 600's that run fine.I would be looking at other things before I'd change carbs.

 

I did what the book (how to rebuild a small block ford) told me to do when I brook in the engine. The carb I am using is off a truck a junked 3.5 years a go (I loved that truck) the carb was siting for that long be for I tryed to use it. I have it runing rich it does not help. Now the one mixture screw has no efect on the moter. I took it to a shop they sead trash the carb but would not open it up to look in side. I guess i need a new one. What would be good? This is going on a work truck i would like to spent less than $350 or $200 to my wife. Thanks for your in put

 

I if my rings are not seated is it too late and/or what else would i look for?

 

First thing get rid of that Holley! Get yourself an 500cfm Remanufactured Eldelbrock carb at "JEG'S"($269.99). This should be just perfect for your engine, unless you are intending on hot rodding it then I would suggest a 600 to 750 cfm. "1 call get's it all, 1 click gets it quick!" www.jegs.com

 

If the idle screws have no effect... then the carb is full of fuel that has dried up and is plugging passages... Needs to be cleaned or rebuilt.
The CFM should be fine, as the primary side is small enought for idling without problem, and you only use the 'rest' of the carb when your foot gets heavy.
Take it apart, and clean all the things you can. Count the turns of the idle screw when you remove it (turn in gently x.x turns from where it is. write down the x.x. remove). Get a gasquet kit, clean, reassemble.
Check for air leaks, also.
good luck.
tom

 

i have heard that if holleys sit for a while they don't like to run right when used again

 

Holley's a good carburetor. Don't trash it! They are a cinch to rebuild.

600 CFM is not at all way too much! Besides, that's at max flow...you are running on primaries smaller than the stock 2 barrels they run on.

I know you have an Edelbrock manifold, but if it's not non-EGR, does the carb sit on an EGR plate? Check it for warpage. It's a common problem for them to warp.

When you first started it up, did you run it up to 2,000 rpm's and hold it there for 15 to 30 minutes? That's a must when breaking in new cams and lifter kits.

 

'85 HO engines came box stock with a 600 holley with smog fittings