Buckshot —-
Am I scared? No , and you’ll be glad to hear that I am much less confused now than I was at the start of this thread.
I have taken into consideration the information offered here, I’ve had several discussions with Rick aka Auto Doctor, and factored in my willingness to invest time and money - and arrived at a logical sequence by which to deal with my engine issue—-
1) Pull manifold AGAIN and install special gasket that blocks exhaust port at the upstream end. This should lower my carb temp a bit further, and it makes sense to mediate the heat issue as much as is practical as a first step.(note: the carb body was approx 170 prior to spacer , now is approx 150 , better but still above the 135 bubble threshold)
2) If problem persists after step 1 , full re-analysis of timing in an effort to improve vacuum at idle.
3) If necessary, analyze camshaft as you described. Auto Dr does have necessary tools and knowledge; discussion of that process has already taken place.
4) Quadrajet.
If it comes to carb swap , I’ve narrowed my search to 2 sources. Both are small American companies that rebuild Rochester carbs (and others) to specific applications. That seems to me like a much better option than buying a new one on Amazon for $200 - who knows what 3rd world country they come from. (Those cheapies are referred to as “QuadraJet” , but not Rochester…)
A distant 5) is pull the camshaft.
It’s doable , but I’m trying to avoid it. In fact , I’m trying to avoid thinking about it.
I went through, and and am continuing, a similar thought process regarding my problematic heart over the last 3 years. The nuclear option was transplant. After much research and consultation I chose a course of action that has - so far anyway- bought me time and avoided the risks and other downsides of the nuclear option. 2 more procedures planned between now and summer, in stages somewhat similar to my plan for my 283.
Trying to avoid a camshaft swap , trying to avoid a heart swap. Willing to accept dome degree if comprised function in both cases.
Am I making sense?
