Install & Tune/Time a Holley Carb with Thunderhead289 (Step by Step)

[@ThunderHead289]

Soo.... I apologize in advance gents, this is very tech heavy. I tried to video while I just did something I normally do, so we go over A TON 😅

[@chicagovasko]

No need to apologize for educating for free. I dig it.

[@79beans347]

Yeah to someone who doesn't know how to do this stuff it could be a lot to process, to us its like tying our shoes

[@GHOSTYU2B]

i have been waiting for, and needing this video! you rock!

[@backyardbassheadgarage]

I followed along with ease, we are about to to start up an engine for the first time and this info was sooo helpful, thanks.

[@Amerikanskis]

picking up tiny bits as I listen. you're original truck videos a few years back we're a real tipping point into me wanting to work on cars as a twenty-something guy who didn't grow up enough car people.

[@doctor2bob]

I need me a tee shirt with "Boy, Uncle Luke Gon' learn ya today"

[@trevorpomroy550]

Ah say, ah second that motion, son!

[@steves4639]

um...creepy. better not

[@ryanwillard3824]

I’d buy one !

[@artakins1262]

I can do this!

[@perotekku]

People who've been asking for an updated Holley video: "It's been 84 years..." Love it, thanks for the free knowledge, Luke!

[@Wrathoftanith]

This explains so much that i didnt understand about carburetors. Thank you very much Luke. Extremely informative.

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

Thanks Luke. I watched this one (had a like already) in the past, this was the one I was looking for. Great info here.. and I do know this stuff but I don't do it often at all anymore. Honestly it's been years (probably a decade or more) and I do know what to do, but again.. it's been a while. You explain things very well, almost like a human being (but an engineer so we're really not human) : )

[@dodge4x418]

You say motors old and weak, but your vacuum gauge says nope I'm healthy. Great video. Thnx

[@FeralPreacher]

All the little bites of information result in a sweet running and performing engine. Your process is well explained and accurate. Thanks for sharing.

[@rogjackson]

That distributor rotation technique for timing degree confirmation is interesting. I admit that I have not seen that before, at least that I can recall easily. I suppose it stands to reason. Nice touch Luke.

[@jeremypike9153]

Pretty slick. I've seen people diagnose ignition system failures that way bet never to just get close on timing before running the engine.

[@TravisClan]

This was a great video tons of info, you are a book of knowledge that I’d love to continue to study

[@trevorpomroy550]

The more tech heavy the better! You're truly one of the best on here at this!

[@ryanhunt881]

Yep, he explains stuff in better detail than most do

[@SuperJoes70]

I agree your so right this is the proper way to adjust the carb and the timing every engine is diffrent you have to find that" Sweet Spot" you always have to go back to Basics !! People try to set their car like there going to the Track waste of time and robbed horsepower . For every modification you make you have to make another mod to balance out your power curve great video thanks Joe

[@scottspurlee8986]

Success! You helped me understand Ported vs. Manifold pressure a few weeks ago and yesterday I tuned my Holley 650 and dialed out the off-idle stumble! I set the accelerator pump lever, used my vacuum gauge to diagnose and correct the transfer slot setting, properly adjusted the float height, set static timing to ~8°and put the idle mixture at ~1.5 turns out. Just like that, the persistent stumble vanished. Thank you so much for these videos!

[@jaredfarney675]

I didn't mind it being tech heavy. It was easy to follow along with. The demonstration with the ported vs manifold, and then the vacuum advance was good. I've definitely chased my tail with too much curb idle, a tight converter and aggresive cam while running vacuum advance HEI. I ended up going back to square 1 and pulling the carb off , finding a leaky power valve. Then it was all straight forward and much more enjoyable. I was close to buying a converter for nothing. Just a power valve and tuning brought it right back around fer a guy. 👌🏻😎🤘🏻

[@randyekman3185]

Love your tech heavy videos. You're the best teacher I've found. Also love your screw driver holder and what appears to be a fire extinguisher.

[@darrenolafson5266]

Thanks for this. It helped my off throttle performance quite a bit.

[@jackdoll2786]

Been watching your carburetor school playlist to tune-up my Holley 4160, this video couldn’t have come at a better time. Great explanation as always

[@charger19691]

Superb lesson in carburetor and ignition timing tuning and testing. My hat is off to ya Sir!

[@artakins1262]

Thank you for helping me understand all this much better!!

[@DennisMurphey]

Absolutely OUT (FREAKING) STANDING Troop!!!!!!!! I studied Auto Tech at SIU VTI 67-69 then transferred for Engineering BS. But we worked all the tech of the time and learned so much from these old pros. You Luke, are a wealth of knowledge, easy to listen to, enthusiastic and very calm. You could do this all the time and it would wonderful for these young whipper snappers to see and hear sage knowledge. If their ruined attention span could hang on long enough. Hell, you got me thinking about a junker 4 door and wagon to back into it. Just wonderful, I had Holleys, Quadrajets, TriPower, Dual Quads all of them when clean and tuned could drive well. I ruined a few along the way and drivability suffered something awful. Your target approach is perfect, yeah power but make sure it starts and drives too, everyone will appreciate it. Stay Well, Safe and take care of your family, Dennis in Virginia

[@laceylouloulou]

I probably will never do any of this stuff, but I still like watching and just taking it all in. Thanks Luke.

[@Rchevyman7]

Thank you for the "learnin" for the regular guy. God bless you man! I appreciate you taking the time to do this.

[@cooperbeazley9358]

Your videos are excellent. You and your buddy at Junkyard Digs are great teachers. For the first time I think I sort of understand how a carburetor works. Definitely plan on installing a fuel pressure regulator. The principle of using the timing to set idle speed finally makes sense. Thanks , keep up the good work.

[@roundelrider]

Outstanding video! Im a older wrench but started with fuel injection and dont have too much carb experience. I have a Mustang Im trying to dial out all the drag race it has going on and make it a nice street car. Ill be watching again and making a check list to run through. Thanks again!

[@joshpolston1128]

I've watched many of your other tuning videos, this setup guide was exactly what I needed to gain a complete understanding of the process. Also not to much information, you were clear in its application. Thanks

[@1975napier]

Very informative video! Glad you’re back.

[@Z28mulletmaker]

Watched this last night and went out to the camaro and set up the brawler 750 runs and goes so much better!!! Thanks for the informative video!!

[@nvwlsnvwls2785]

Ok Junkyard digs keeps mentioning you, so i started to check out your content. Thanks for all of these great videos, really informative and delivered a smooth pace.

[@ThunderHead289]

If you look back to his early days, I was his mentor. Miss the chap, one of those deals where life gets in the way

[@nvwlsnvwls2785]

@@ThunderHead289 He still speaks of you with respect and admiration in his vid's. Watching your content I am seeing why and learning a thing or two. I find this type of content interesting and useful. My son and I did a scrap yard diversion of a low mileage Ford Ranger 2002, 3L 2wd. It's his daily driver now, we did brakes, cam sync, coil, wires, plugs, filters, oil, trams fluid, coolant, rad hoses, ball joints, control arms, tire rod ends, light assemblies front and rear, stereo and speakers and we deleted 3 of the 5 cat's and put in a glass pack, she sounds drives and rides great.. He is confident and knows that truck as a result. For me it was so cool to wrench with my son, although he did do some in auto class at school. The people posting how to vid's on KZbin helped us on model specific questions so much. Thanks, what your doing is some putting some joy & good in the world.

[@jacobcollins6557]

Thank you. Best thing Ive watched in a long time.

[@neubert500]

VERY excellent and informative video! Thank you! it was a pleasure to watch and learn!

[@s60six]

Thank you Luke! My 76 Monte Carlo is like a brand new car! Where has this video been since I built it in 2018! This car was fast and fun to drive at WOT but that was about all that was fun about driving it. Set your carb up for driveability? Who knew! lol What a difference. Thanks so much for you and your channel! Keep the videos coming. sincerely, Your new biggest fan.

[@richardpica6577]

This is the best carb idle tuning video I've ever seen! Thanks Luke!

[@BUILTFORDTOUGH79]

Really good tuning tips man. For anyone trying to learn carb tuning, this is a go to video for sure

[@devisionhun]

This was really awesome! I had some of these info from watching a local carb guru, but the completely described method helps a ton!

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

LUKE, BEST ENGINE LESSON IN SCIENCE, CHEMICAL REACTIONS, AND SHOW AND TELL ON SETTING TIMING AND CARB FIRST FIRE UP.. I WILL REVIEW THIS A LOT.

[@Firebird400]

Great tips, I watched a few of your videos on ignition timing last year helped me out a lot . I put a Holley sniper efi on my firebird over the winter after being a carburetor guy all my life and to be honest I don’t know why I waited so long. Thing is flawless in all driving conditions and throttle response is right meow 🐈‍⬛. I’ll never go back. Glad your back this type of tech is priceless !

[@andyread4332]

Hey Luke. Thanks for this video , just figuered out my Olds 350 with a new Holley and ignition issue. Ive changed from a quadrajet to a brand new holley 600 , as soon as you mentioned the transfer slots and the curb adjustment i knew you were talking my exact issues. I had wound up my adjuster on curb to deal with my timing issue. I found my timing marks on the damper of my Oldsmobile were about 12 degrees out. I had a massive off idle on to acceleration miss. Took out plug and used a vernier caliper( gap to top of tdc) to get actual 0 tdc mark and then tuned , the miss is gone!!

[@peteybrian]

Loved this video! I’m picking up a little more each time I watch one of Luke’s videos!

[@lambrokedrc5998]

Mmmm, yes! Young Master Luke. Strong the force is with this one! Use it wisely does he😲🙄😁😂🤣 Thanks, for the refresher course!... But, I still don't know which of my cars to start with this year!? Oh, The one for sale!!!

[@dp7661]

Luke. Thanks. It’s like you’re a mind reader. Been wishing for such a video that puts it all in one.

[@DennisMurphey]

So much we can use in this one video.

[@codyhickman7335]

This is awesome. I can make a carb run. Used the vacuum gauge a couple of times. But it's been years. I've been efi and diesel for awhile. Working on getting a carved ride though.

[@adamtaylor5591]

I can’t stop looking at that Foxbody in the background 😂

[@steves4639]

great vid. I do have one car with a 750 dp Holley, and recently helped a buddy with his too, so this is good reference. I also have a '75 Pontiac with a 400 and original quadrajet, and the shop manual has it with full manifold vacuum and the idle mixtures initially backed out 5 turns...crazy huh? but dang it likes it...at 16 btdc initial. it has these little updraft mixture tubes, so maybe thats why so many turns out. maybe for fun i'll put in ported vacuum and see what happens

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Always love seeing you Doing carb adjustments such a great teacher bro on explanation Luke @Thunderhead289

[@111000100101001]

Love the tech tips and how you follow up with actually demonstrating! Great content and look forward to any tips as they can apply to a 1 lunger Briggs to a blown big block :)

[@kellyblack4897]

I’m particularly happy you covered ported vs manifold. I’ve seen cars deemed “beyond repair” by shops making that mistake. You can’t make this up.

[@harrison4ever125]

Dude that is a great tip! "Stick your finger in the spark plug hole and fill for it blowing air past your finger. I'll try that on my truck soon.

[@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER]

So much knowledge dropped I’m going to have to rewatch a few times. 😂 thanks Uncle Luke 🤪

[@hiitsstillme]

Great info, thanks Luke. That will come in handy for setting up our 351C. I see rubber ducky mascot is along for the ride...

[@mattkeen2237]

Great video. Thanks !!!! I'm about to go set up the 750 vacuum secondary Holley I just rebuilt. Very similar to your scenario with a 466 Ford and a hei in a 1951 Ford F1 I'm building.

[@Paulman50]

I learnt this concept from you but explaining it to other people they cannot get the concept of feeding 40 to 44° timing into an engine at vacume. So VW people stick with their 009 distrbuters with only mechanical advance. Thanks to you mine is timed at 14° to 30 and now runs and ldles like a sowing machine. I had to fiddle with the distributer to change it from 23 ° mechanical to 16° . With low compression and hot cam it now idles smooth without dieing.

[@scottspurlee8986]

Thank you for sending this to me, it is just what I needed. Yes, your presentation skills are much improved from the earlier video...great job. Scott.

[@ThunderHead289]

Thanks buddy, glad it was helpful 🙂

[@scottspurlee8986]

@@ThunderHead289 I made a 17 point checklist and will tackle the tuning whenever it stops raining here. It is a mild L-89 build with and I just want drivability and reliability. I'm pretty sure I can cure my off-idle stumble. Thanks!

[@cobrajet8866]

greatest video for tuning. Qs: 1) How did you know it was running rich? 2) How doe that Tlight work. What is the dial for? 3) what should the vacuum gauge read?

[@MrJosephfunk]

This takes a lot of the confusion out of the tuning process thank you.

[@markthor7865]

Luke you’re the man! Another great tuning video. “You’re trying to actually drive your car” Yup.👍🏻

[@briceasterling]

Loving the alternator's custom spacer setup!

[@Tablesaw818]

Such a good video! You are an engine wizard!

[@thompsonautomaticgarage2079]

As always, great content! Thanks for everything Luke, you're the man!

[@andyjenkins3491]

One of the best videos ive seen thank you

[@ThunderHead289]

You are welcome

[@jasont.1530]

Thanks man! Im trying to tune my cuda with a holley, the tip about ported vacuum needing to read zero at idle is very valuable as I think I have a little too much curb idle to get the car to idle around a normal 800 rpm. The radical cam and 416 stroke wants to idle around 1000 rpm for a steady reading, but as soon as I put it in gear the vacuum goes erratic.

[@brianskinner4328]

Awesome video Luke. I did notice that I saw a plug wire near a fuel line. Thought I'd bring that up so it don't externally create a fire.

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

Hey Luke, excellent video. You say it's tech-heavy well not really everybody that's on the street running a carbureted unit should know how to do this. Although they do have some good mechanics that still know how to do this. I myself learned all this way back in the 70s before all those damn computers came about. That way your car had to be right or it wasn't going to run and you damn sure wasn't going to win. I would like to take the time Luke to let you know that I appreciate stuff like this. I have recently dropped a few of your friends because of all the stupidness I guess I am just an old fuddy-duddy but I do appreciate pure mechanicing abilities. Although a few of those channels have the mechanicing abilities I'm talking about they would still rather just screw around and have more fun than actually doing something. Or at least in my eyes this is purely my opinion and that's why I did what I did. You on the other hand is a different story oh, I'm almost willing to bet that that's why you stepped aside long ago and then finally came back. But who knows, only you. So Luke anyway thanks again for sharing your knowledge with the rest of the KZbin world hopefully a bunch of people will grasp this and learn what you have try to teach.

[@ThunderHead289]

As to why I separated from others and why I left youtube for awhile, you sir are spot on. And thanks for the positive feedback - as you can see it doesn’t get a lot of views, but I do this for the people, not for me. Back to my original mission, providing others with the info I wish I had when I started this hobby.

[@danielwoodard680]

I was just given a 1966 289. I want to do a strong-driving rebuild. You are helping me learn and plan for the rebuild.

[@WalksInThunder]

Love that rubber ducky!

[@billpitts1034]

Your videos are so great. Thank you for taking your time to clearly and easily explain all this tech. So much wealth of knowledge.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Would love to see a new revival with you , Kevin (at JYD), and Dylan McCool!! You 3 are the best!!

[@garageofscrap]

I think they are a bit spread out now. A few hours of travel for at least two of them if they were to do one

[@chriskelso6450]

Yes love all the videos they've done together. Miss Kevin and Luke videos alot.

[@OlysGarage]

Luke, you sure impress me with your knowledge at your age! (still waiting on that app you talk about to go public) Gives me hope that the hobby still has a future, especially with the analog stuff (i.e. no electronic FI or any of that hocus pocus...LOL) BTW, been using that timing setup trick for years, works like a champ every time... Ford, Mopar, GM, AMC, IH, no matter, It works...! Always cringe watching those first start vids as they saw away on the starter and square dance with the distributor.... And you did an excellent job in your explanation of carb mechanics and setup! Great video!

[@stwhite5135]

Thanks. Just what we carb guys need to know. I'm not going to race. I just want to drive my truck.

[@drew9316]

Always learn something new from your vids. Appreciate it🤘🏼 looking to start my Chanel on my 71 Ford f100 4x4

[@Tnenamrep2]

Awesome! (+ it's great to see the channel back in full swing again)

[@libertyjusticeforall6754]

You did awesome again great video Great Tech you're a good helpful person keep up the good work. One thing you should make note of while explaining is load and no-load. Again thanks great video

[@dustytanco6917]

Luke you really helped me with some stuff i was struggling with about carbs and mechanical timing vs ported adds seriously thank you my future carburetor projects gonna be easier.

[@michaeljennings6240]

Best video yet Luke!!! Made a ton of sense and can’t wait to put the knowledge to use!

[@avgeekboy]

Hi from New Zealand! Just watched this for a second time to takes some notes. Great to see a simple start-to-finish run of your tips and tricks. How do you set your secondaries as you have a double pumper? Are they set with a transfer slot too or are they basically shut as they won't need to "transfer" as it were like the primaries do? I know you often mod your DPs with an Allen set screw to adjust the idle screw while mounted. Are vacuum secondaries also fully closed as they more gradually open when you stab the pedal due to being venturi vacuum operated? Should any type of secondaries be closed during the cruise portion of carb operation? I also noted you didn't meniton to readjust your accelerator pump once finished after getting the idle set. :) Keep up the good work mate!

[@jakehooper680]

Another great video brother ! Lots of tech information and a big help. After watching this I think I will just pull my carb off the mustang and just start over.😬

[@TheProchargedmopar]

I pulled a Sniper EFI off my 73 F100/390 FE a couple days ago. It's ran great for about 3 yrs of weekend driving. Now I'm here looking for tips to tune the "factory refurbished" Holley 600cfm carb I just threw on there. Thing has a horrible part throttle miss/stumble surge. When held at 1/8th to 1/4 throttle it picks up then bogs, then picks up again, then bogs. BTW, the sniper is going on my 73 Dart which will be magnum swapped. Still haven't decided between 5.2 or 5.9 as I have both. I read the holley and carter carb books 25+ yrs ago but this was a good vid with lots of info. Thanks.

[@ercost60]

FANTASTIC VIDEO, TYVM!

[@snowblindburd]

That Maverick is so awesome. Thanks for this video, man! I saved it in a playlist for the day I inevitably own a carbed car so that I'm hopefully slightly less clueless :D.

[@mikeanthony3986]

Thanks for sharing. Great video.

[@grantkoeller8911]

I would love to have a Thunderhead 289 coffee mug!

[@tonysajkowski3534]

Good post you explained it nice and simple nice

[@1967Twotone]

Good job explaining the procedure. Thanks.

[@scrapmetalgarage]

Best tuning video yet!

[@guymanicone7921]

Love it, great info and that is always what I say, I just want to to run right

[@richardbates2367]

I've also noticed alot of cars and trucks carbbed that are built up toys that are usually boasting about their big power gains,watch them try to normally accelerate like just taking off from a stop sign and like turning into a t or angle road alot of them stumble and hesitate accelerating back up speed and at each gear change..not what I want my vehicle to do.. good points thunderhead 289 and as usual asweome video and your knowledge you have on most of this stuff is astounding,I know quite a bit myself I'm always learning atleast 3 things I either didn't know or have full understanding of the concept of, everytime I watch your videos. And I grew up as a country boy or farm kid whichever y'all prefer around carbbed cars, trucks,tractors,bikes,three wheelers,trikes, and 4wheelers,small engine setups,log splitters and chainsaws.

[@hemisidetrack2767]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Great information

[@Noobularr]

Nicely placed video, right as I begin to build my first engine :)

[@rooster68able]

Add a little cam and cubic inches say 454 then full manifold might be better as it smooths out the idle and also drops those temps down , ? Although i understand in other circumstance it is better ported because it adds timming for a sec or two when throttle is applied its all about the particular engine but I must say your a n exellent mechanic far better then most of them on here and me for sure 👍

[@someguyonli]

Now THAT was a lesson. Thanks for sharing.

[@scottlavine1530]

Props to that cup holder!

[@vrsac242]

Luke, Thank you for the education.

[@CJColvin]

For the 4 door Maverick I would paint it Grabber Blue with some black Stripes and take off the big 5 MPH bumpers and replace em with the slick bumpers from 70-73 and bam you've got you're self a 450 HP 4-door Maverick Grabber.

[@HFG]

That's great info. Awesome and instructive video bud.

[@davidhempsted9081]

Luke, welcome back to KZbin

[@DennisMurphey]

Yes You Tube needs you man.

[@jonathanclark6489]

incredible content

[@dannynorman9768]

Great video ,helped me find a slipped balancer and of course timing way too advanced on a high compression sbc 12:1 lol

[@RedneckTaZ]

You know when you first picked up that Maverick my first thought was "redo that motor and put it in a Mustang". Now that old grey mare has started to grow on me. Almost want to go out and find a mid-size/small four door beater myself now.

[@fordtechlife]

I rember doing that on my old 78 f150 now days I don't mess with tomany carbs 💪🚗💯👊🔴🔧🇺🇲

[@richardbates2367]

Lol,not me my current vehicle may be a tbi early 94 Chevy Silverado extended cab short bed z71 with a 0.40 over 350 chevy and my momma's truck is a diesel converted or swapped rather 96 f250 2wd super cab long bed with a 0.30 460bbf, and my dad owns a notta ford a 06 honda cr-v awd sport,but I still end up working on carbbed vehicles and machinery oh well I know how to do I'm ok with it..

[@edwardsgarage7427]

Luke the Carb Genie 😂👍🏻

[@jonhampshire5100]

one how do you have 8 views but 10 likes? two i like the tech stuff you do. i am a body guy get good info from you. ty for coming back!

[@harnettsgarage]

Awesome video, I'm going to have to go through the 600 Vac secondary I just put on my 350, it's got a stumble when taking off from a complete stop. I'll be using your info when I do it!

[@Elviscrea]

My head just exploded... Don't know much about english, and this carb class is hardcore haha good video. I'm gonna saved for the time I'll buy my next 90's shit box ahahah