[DeTomaso] Pantera Problems for new Long Island ownwer

[Gray Gregory]

The carb debate (650 vs. 750) & (Holly vs. Edelbrock) would be worthwhile if he was in the market for a new carb, but since he already has a Holly 750 there is no reason he needs to buy one. If the problem is the carb the one he has can be rebuilt much cheaper than a new one, but I suspect the problem might be ignition related. My approach would be:

1. Check plug wires to make sure none are going to the wrong plugs. Also look for any major problems like melted thru insulation etc.
2. Check timing. If it's way off pull dist and check pin. 
3. Inspect cap and rotor and verify that you're getting good strong spark.

If all of these prove fine then we're back to the carb in which case a complete rebuild is probably in order. 
Once the cause is identified I think a major tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, set timing and adjust carb) should have him up and running like a top.  

Good luck,

Gray


-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On Behalf Of boyd casey
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 12:05 PM
To: Detomaso Forum
Subject: [DeTomaso] Pantera Problems for new Long Island ownwer

I have been thinking about your problem and I think before you spend
$1000.00 ( and that's what it will cost you if you goo to a high end shop to
diagnose your problem this is what I would do if I were you and I will help
you do  it if you want. You can get a remanufactured carb right from holley
starting around $250.00. You can also consider a used one for allot less or
a brand new one for more. I also think (as I told you a 750 CFM is more then
you need ,. A 650 cfm is good for a 351 cleveland of up to 500hp. I
personally like a manual choke. One less thing to go wrong , very simple to
operate and in warm weather you don't even need a choke.  I would buy a 650
CFM carb, and new wires, and check that you have the correct spark plugs. I
would install the new carb and double check the base line settings for the
timing and check the shear pin on your distributor gear.  Once you get it
running I have a spare MSD 6AL Hi energy ignition set up and two extra coils
so you can see if these things make enough of an improvement in performance
to make the investment. NO ONE will lend you any ignition parts to "try out"
 ( besides me) bbecause it is to easy to Totally F**K them up . Once we get
your car running then we can work on "tweaking it" to get the maximum
performance. If you want an electric choke or vacuum distributor
or vacuum secondaries on your carb that is up to you. I think you should
start with the simplest setup possible. This helps to eliminate other
possible problem areas.  Let me know what you want to do. If you want to
take a crack at my idea I will be able to help you.over the next few days
and definitely over the weekend. His car has old wires. He changed the plugs
to autolites, but kept the old wires. I have already told him that was a big
NO NO.
 Anyone who feels like  chiming in please do so. I am slightly above a
novice and know next to nothing about carbs. Please voice opinion on 650  vs
750 for what is probably a stock engine and Holley vs Edelbrock or any other
brand or model #. Also I Iknow there are lots of opinions on spark plugs.
What is the consensus or the official position about the correct plugs to
use ?
Boyd
So to put it in a concise list


1. Carbb Edelbrock or Holley ?
2. 650 or 750 ?
3. Choke electric or manual?
4. Plugs brand, and temp?
5. Wires Brand?
6. Vacuum distributor ?  ( opinion)
7. Vacuum secondaries? ( opinion)
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