[HWYSTR455]

I'm in an area that varies rapidly in a 500-6000' range, and that can cause issues with carbs, especially if you are tuned on the ragged edge.

During the 2014 Power Tour, with the 442 fairly fresh, running a 670 Holley, going over the Blue Ridge mountains (Hills to some), many cars had issues. Some actually had to stop and do jet swaps to go over the highest points, the 442 included. I had to step up 3 jets sizes.

The Holley trailer stopped for many, and they provided jets to people for free. From previous stops and tours, they knew right away what needed to be done, and how many steps to recommend.

Aaaand, that's why i went efi on the 442. Being my daughter's car, that would be unacceptable for her to stop and swap jets. And some of the reason I went to efi on everything else.


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[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

I'm in an area that varies rapidly in a 500-6000' range, and that can cause issues with carbs, especially if you are tuned on the ragged edge.

During the 2014 Power Tour, with the 442 fairly fresh, running a 670 Holley, going over the Blue Ridge mountains (Hills to some), many cars had issues. Some actually had to stop and do jet swaps to go over the highest points, the 442 included. I had to step up 3 jets sizes.

The Holley trailer stopped for many, and they provided jets to people for free. From previous stops and tours, they knew right away what needed to be done, and how many steps to recommend.

Aaaand, that's why i went efi on the 442. Being my daughter's car, that would be unacceptable for her to stop and swap jets. And some of the reason I went to efi on everything else.


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EFI sure makes sense in that 'hilly' country. It's pretty flat and consistent in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois where we do most of our traveling in our 'old' carb equipped Pontiacs.

Dennis

[HWYSTR455]

In the mid-70s, my dad took the family in a 24' Winnie around the states. It was used but low mileage, and he did almost everything on it before we left, including a new carb. We went south and across, up CA to WA state, and back east on the north side. We have lots of issues in the mountains, and in the low elevations too. I remember he had a pull-choke put on I think it was like in NM, and he would play with that thing in elevated areas, which helped.

I've always driven may cars up and down the east coast, and thru the 'mountains' of the east. I did carry jets with me, but if I knew I was going to be in high elevations I would start out a little rich before I left home, and just 'deal with it' if that wasn't enough. Usually didn't have too many issues, but there were occasions.

I'm pretty happy with my EFI setups, they work good to very good, with a set it and forget it type approach. Once it's right, like anything really, there's not much that needs to be done. The TBi setups are the least requiring 'fiddling'. I doubt I'll ever go back to carbs, but there is a simplicity thing that's attractive.



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[SD455DJ]

Sometime in the next several years is to check off a bucket-list item to travel Rt-66 to at least New Mexico/Arizona in our old Pontiacs. Being carbureted, we'll be taking our Q-jet jet/metering rod kits for the elevation changes.

Dennis

[Formulajones]

There is a Pontiac chapter out here that gathers and does the route 66 cruise. Usually every year. I've done it with them a couple of times. They come from the other side of the country to join, start in Illinois and go all the way to California. It's a really great time.

Might be the chapter in Tucson, I can't remember, but there are a couple of other Pontiac clubs out here as well and they all participate.