All Trucks, Campers, Trailers, RV's and Motor Homes - 83 El Camino

Got an 83 El Camino - basically a Chevelle/Cutlass etc. under the skin - with a 305 and Rochester 4barrel. A previous owner has removed the emissions gear and any computerized carburetor sensors no longer work. Gas mileage is atrocious - about 11, so the question - is there a more efficient carburetor out there that can be installed with minimum fuss? We have no emissions testing in my rural area so this isn't a problem.

Before blaming the carb....if the emmissions stuff was removed and the computer disabled, My first order of buisness would be a pre-1980 DISTRIBUTOR.....The later CCC distributors have no advance mechanisms because Timing was computer controlled. You are running a V8 , at hiway speeds, with no advance curve., at base timing.....No wonder your mileage is so horrible........You will also pick up a few free "PONIES" in the process. The Carbs themselves werent very likely to be as picky about being unplugged, but Ignition systems on CCC cars were bare bones , and didnt do anything special , because they didnt have to.

Also pick yourself up a pre 1980 Quadrajet, it is a bolt on fit and will allow you to tune for your engine.

Thanks to both you gents for your input. Looking at the distributor idea first. I've found several for the '79 305/Rochester 4bbl with an average of about $120. Most specify "not for use in CA or for emissions control" - that sound about right? My Haynes book says fairly straightforward if you mark for #1 and block positions - famous last words :).

Another thought just trickled from one of my deepening crevices. After sitting for a few days, lots of starter with choke set barely gets a couple to fire. Hardly ever does it catch and run so we end up with a flood start. After settling down, it runs just fine. Plugs look great and, other than using lots of gas, it's fairly lively.