guys,

just bought a 1972 cutlass s from a guy in Florida and i am having problems
with idle and bottom end speed . I found paperwork for a comp cam the guy
i bought the car from install and has a 520 lift . Got the car running sounds good
sitting but when it put in drive has no power and barely any brakes . does anybody have any ideas on what this could be .

 

Sounds like the cam is too wild for the car. The brakes are not working because there is not enough vacuum being created. I ran into this with my engine build on my 72' 350. I am not sure what specs the cam has now, but it still idles lumpy, gets up and goes, and the power brakes work. I am sure someone here can give you more info on it.

 

thanks Joe hopefully somebody has a solution so i dont have to tear into the motor oil
pressure is great no leaks cooling system is all new . basically its all body work on this
car.

 

Get a 2800-3200 stall convertor, maybe a set of gears, check timing for lack of power.
Get aux vacuum canister ( I think Comp Cams & Moroso make them) for the brakes.
For now don't pump them, just one motion from when you apply them to when the car stops.

 

thanks i will look into aux canister for the brakes . my biggest problem i cant idle and when
you try to adjust the carb it has no change .

 

does anybody have a diagram for vacum lines on this 1972 350 want to double check and
make sure everything is right .

 

I sure that someone can get you the diagram. You probably will want to get a 1972 chassis service manual. You can find on ebay for 25-40. It will be the best money you will spend.
Larry

 

What brand are the intake and carb on your engine?

 

Edelbrock carb and intake

 

They're both good. You may have to get a convertor or get a smaller cam. I had same promblem with my 350 many years ago. I cured the problem with a 455.

 

Welcome to CO. Looks like you already have some answers to important questions you had. This site has lots of knowledge and members are willing to share it.

 

Hang in there, we'll help you find the solution to your problem. Have you checked for vacuum leaks around your carb base an intake. Use carb cleaner or wd-40 and spray around the areas if the idle speed increases you have a leak.

 

I would look for vacuum leaks like Pat said. If you don't find one on the engine. Look at the brake booster test it out to find it has a vacuum leak.

 

thank very much i will do these test and let you guys know what happens.

 

guys thanks for all your help i found the rear rubber intake gasket was pinch .looks like the
install incorrectly . someone told me not to use the rubber gasket and use gasket sealer
instead . have you guys replace the manifold and do you have gasket or silicone .

 

hopefully i could put it together this weekend and get it running.

 

Myself, I throw away the rubber one's. Especially if the intake is aluminum. Just my opinion.