After much reading and poking around I'm almost 100% positive that the power valve is shot. The question now is which one will work best with my car? 302 .30 over 9 to 1 comp stock heads holley 650 DP stealth intake long tubes aod tranny stock 3.00 gears edit:crane cam 272/ 272, Lift .484/ .484 thanks!
You will need to check your intake manifold vacuum. Check it while the engine is warm and idling in gear. Install a power valve 2 sizes smaller. Example, if vacuum reads 8.5 install a 65 power valve.
You need to set the idle mixture screws with a vacuum gauge. Adjust until tou achieve the highest vacuum reading possible. Ideally, all the idle mixture screws should be turned out the same number of turns. You will probably have to cycle through the each corner a few times to get it right The appropriate power valve should be approximately half of your vacuum reading (i.e. 11" of vacuum = a 5.5 power valve).
Tape a vaccum gauge to your windshield, Get on the highway and find the spot that you cruise at. Note the vaccum gauge at cruise. Choose a power valve 2 numbers under the reading.
