Just got my 1985 SS out after being in storage for 20 years. It cranks, runs, drives, etc. Absolutely amazing. Naturally I've only driven it around the block slowly a couple of times until I can go through and service everything.

When I parked it, I do remember the ECM was giving trouble and the car ran very rich and got terrible mileage. The wiring harness to the ECM, along with the air pump, O2 sensor and basically all the other emissions stuff has rotted away or gone bad. I have read than when the ECM goes out or the wiring is disconnected from the carb, it runs fully rich and the timing is basically unregulated. What I want to do is get rid of all the ECM garbage and go with a "normal" carburetor and a vacuum advance dizzy. I would like to stick with the Quadrajet and be able to link the TV cable back to it properly. Obviously I need a Q-jet that's NOT electronically controlled. I see a bunch on eBay and such for dirt cheap but I can't tell if it's generic or the real deal. Could someone please point me in the right direction of a NON-ECM Q-jet and a good distributor with vacuum advance? If I choose to go back with the locking converter, I'll get the right lockup kit at that point. BTW - Engine = stock 305, transmission = 200-4R. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Derek.

 

Get an Edelbrock 1902 Performer QuadraJet carburetor and go with a regular HEI distributor for something like a 1979 SBC Camaro.