17058263 Settings at start up

[wheelsY88ta]

I'm getting ready to fire up the rebuilt 400 for the first time and get it broke in.

Engine was rebuilt by Len Williams and set up similar to his 400 Long Block builds.

What are the base settings, Idle mixture screws etc., for this?

I used Cliff's rebuild kit for the carb and 400 specs.  I've modified the carb and HEI distributor vacuum advance according to Cliff's book.

What would be the best place to start such as how far should the mixture screws be open?  1 1/2 turns, 2 turns, etc.

Also.....would an electric choke be beneficial over the hot air choke for this set up?

Thanks for all the information.

[Cliff Ruggles]

What has been done to the carburetor?

What are the engine specs?

Excellent carburetor but it would need some help in several areas if the engine has a pretty hefty cam in it, or other modifications as that carb was used on a pretty "anemic" 400 with really low compression and tiny cam in it from the factory.....

[wheelsY88ta]

Hey, Cliff.....It's been a bout a year ago when you sold me the rebuild kit.  I used your book to modify the carb and distributor for the hp output.

The engine specs are what Len Williams rebuilds his 400 long blocks.

9.25 CR......385-400 hp.  Forged pistons.  Not sure of the cam (only listed as "performance cam"). 

 

[Cliff Ruggles]

Not sure what cam he uses in the 400 builds.  In his 455 builds they get the Melling SPC-8 or RAIV cam nearly as I can remember.....

[wheelsY88ta]

Just an FYI and update.

I got the engine to start with 2 1/2 turns on the idle mixture screws.

When setting the timing the engine revs are high and the idle adjustment screw is not touching the linkage. 

How do you get the idle lower on the quadrajet?

EDIT:  Never mind.....After more research I learned about the fast idle adjustment screw.  We'll get it dialed in and go from there.

Thanks Cliff.