Up And Running
 

Got the 68 up and running well today. Replaced all the vacuum lines, fuel lines, radiator hoses, fluids and did a complete tune up. The old 750 double pumper was a challenge but it's running and not leaking anything. Now I can tell the original owner put an upgraded cam in there. Gives new meaning to the phrase hang on. At least I feel okay driving it. A repaint and new front seats will take care of the rest. I'm loving it!!!!

good man! cant wait to get mine up and running!

Alway nice to get them running again.

Glad it's running, now you can enjoy some while you're working on it.

So happy for you Stan. So where did you go on your first ride ? The auto parts store ? :)

sounds like a good time, hopefully I'm not too far behind you

First Stop Auto Parts Store
 

I had to laugh. I put the old air cleaner back on. Looking back, that was stupid. The carb idled way down. I went, "duh" and pulled out my spare one that was only two inches high. Wouldn't work so I drove the car to the parts store for a three inch one.

I do have a question though: It looks like the last owner at least cammed the engine up. I set the timing to stock 4 degrees. Low end is garbage. once I'm moving okay, the car lifts up and flys! I know timing for the 68 396 ranged from 4-10 degrees. Anybody think I should advance the timing? Keep in mind the original owner drag raced the car. The turbo 400 has a shift kit so I believe more was done.

I have my timing set at 15 advance.

See...See....I knew it went to the parts store first. It is like a right of passage.

Bugs, Bugs
 

Still working out a few bugs. I grabbed the distributor this morning and gave it a twist in the advance direction. Started better especially w/o a choke. I have learned to make sure it's warmed up before I drive! Drove it to work today. Boss offered me $16,000 for it without any restoration. When I left work, it wasn't warmed up and popped through the carb and died crossing two lines of traffic. I think I need a little more advance.

My Mustang parts were mainly several large mail order groups. The Chevelle has parts locally. I find myself on auto pilot at the parts store and can't remember how I got there...Bowtie smiley

When it pops like that if your running a Holley it can and usually blows out the power valve at least on my carb so if you notice it running kinda funny after that that's usually my problem.

Fat fingered from the phone-Corey

Still Okay
 

It's still running just fine. At least I think it is. I just came in from the garage a little pissed. I decided to come in rather than make a stupid mistake. I looked at the carb and its a 3310-1. I believe its a 780 and it has dual metering blocks. I bought an electric choke kit for it today and a few other small things. One thing just does not seem right.

The vacum line to the vacum advance on the distributor is connected to a vacum line on the carb just to the right of the choke assembly. The vacum port just to the left is plugged and the one under the front bowl slightly to the left (passenger side) is plugged as well. Shouldn't that one be connected to the distributor??? I'm trying to put this thing back the way it's supposed to be. However, I'm still trying to figure out what was done without having anyone to ask about history.

The one on the front metering block is for the dizzy. The ports on the base plate have full vacuum for pcv, brake booster or other accessories that require full vacuum.

Fat fingered from the phone-Corey

Upped The Timing
 

Got the vacum hooked up correctly now and set the timing at 12. Runs way better now! Whoever built the engine did a fine job. Stock, it is not. It has a wonderful lope at idle. Certainly turns heads. Unfortunately, I'm still trying to make it look better.

Welcome Stan ,I miss my 68 Malibu project I sold a while back but I didnt have time or money for it and all the other junk I have.Glad youre making progress on it.