Johnny311

I have a '71 455 and had it rebuilt in 2018. Since the rebuild it seems to not be running at its full potential. I did bring it to a mechanic who claimed to have experience with classics. What I'm asking from this site is if anyone has a recommendation for a trusted mechanic in the Chicago area? Thanks for the input.

MPSax

I don’t have any recs
but I would ask questions to make sure they know what they’re doing.
even just asking if they can tell you what your timing is at — some shops can’t even do that.

oldcutlass

There comes a time to learn how to tune up your own engine. Instead of paying someone to do it, use that money to buy some basic handtools, timing light, and tach/dwell meter. It's not hard.

Fun71

Agreed. A lot of us “knowledgeable people” at one time were doing this as know-nothing high school kids.

droldsmorland

...and a vacuum gauge and an O2 meter. (you are welcome cutlassefi).

A good mechanic will ensure everything under the hood is in good working serviceable condition before turning a single screw...hint...ignition, fuel system & filter, vacuum lines, is the carb tight on the intake etc.

All 3 timing events in the distributor must be dialed in AND the air fuel ratio should be adjusted in unison with timing.

Johnny, if you do not want to do it, or cant do it, Id at least ask the mechanic the above basic questions. If he has the right answers let him at it.
An analog car is so simple to tune ....a caveman can do it.

If you lived around me Id be more than happy to tune this engine for you. Unfortunately we are about 800 miles apart.
If you don't care about money and just want it to run ship it to me Ill go through it and get it to run 100%.
Steve

Johnny311

Thank you all for the input and advice. I do want to do this myself but was hesitant after reading some threads because some of the lingo/acronyms were like Chinese to me.
I'm glad I joined this group and look forward to more conversations.
Again, thank you all.

VC455

Hi Johnny,

We've all been in your situation, wanting to look after our cars but not having the knowledge.

Most of us learned by making mistakes. Some lucky ones had mentors. A few read the Service Manual.

You're one of the lucky ones. We're mentors, and we relish the opportunity to help someone.

Ask questions. We'll explain.

Gary

BangScreech4-4-2

Good way to check: ask him if he knows which direction the distributor turns.

rickw30

that's a good one !

OLDSter Ralph

Thats not as funny as it sounds ! I saw an example where the spark plugs wires were moved and only 7 would reach the plugs. Oh, and he said the timing was way off, but he fixed it. I should also add that it wouldn't even pop when he tried to start it.

rickw30

It is crazy.
Bought a 70 W30 from a guy who said it doesn't run. He had it to multiple mechanics.
Bought the car. Reached under the hood and pulled the dizzy, turned it 180 and drove away.