Category: My Projects

Rochester Quadrajets are notorious for worn throttle shaft bushings, which result in tuning difficulties, among other things.

I found some 5/16″ ID, 3/8″ OD bushings are my local auto parts store ($2).  I machined a cutter from 3/8″ rod which I turned down to 5/16″ long enough to pilot the center bushing in the baseplate.  I used a Zip Disc to cut flutes and back rake.  I tested it briefly, but chickened out and just milled the bushings with a 3/8″ end mill.

I will likely test the cutter out on another Rochester I don’t value as much…..

Tomorrow, working through Cliff Ruggles’ book: “How to Rebuild and Modify Rochester Carburetors.”

Read More: The Crusty Chevy (May need to add a page on the fuel system – plans to go EFI soon…..)

One of the two last patches for the Old Chevy.  The only two patches I bought, since the compound curves are still developing in my skill set.

I hate bodywork.

Read More: The Crusty Chevy – Tremclad and a Roller

Joyous fun pulling a crease out of the front fender with my nifty vice-grip-slide-hammer tool.

Read More: The Crusty Chevy – Tremclad and a Roller

Potato potato potato.

Read More: The Crusty Chevy

Used headers (electrolysis rust removal and BBQ paint), 2-1/2″ pipes to the mufflers, and 2-1/4″ out the back.

Ford Windstar cooling fans next.

Read more: The Crusty Chevy

Now to get it installed

Read More: Re-Ring the 350

Made my own piston stop and located true Top Dead Center (TDC) – new harmonic balancer was 1° retarded.

Checked the cam, and the duration was slightly different than the cam card (but the same as current specs).  Cam needed to be advanced 6° to be in spec – good thing I degree’d the cam!

Heads went on with a Felpro 1094 steel shim gasket shortly afterwards.

Read more: Re-Ring the 350

New Speed Pro/Sealed Power .020 Hypereutectic flat top pistons to replace the dished cast stock pistons.  So pretty.

Read More: The Crusty Chevy

New camshaft vs. original camshaft. Do you see a difference?

Read More: The Crusty Chevy

I got half way through cleaning the pistons on the Crusty Chevy’s 350, when I started thinking this wasn’t the best way to go.  Instead, I dropped the block off at a machine shop to get punched .020 over with some Speed Pro Hypereutectic flat tops and have the guts balanced.  More money, but probably a lot better in the long run.

Read More: Re-Ring the 350