I have just become the proud owner of a 78 L-82 vette. I am starting the restoration (this is my first attempt at this--I have fairly solid mechanical and electrical skill--but am still in the "shadetree" range) of this car and am looking for advice on where to start. Overall car is in good shape. First major issue:

runs very rough--really won't idle without someone working the gas pedal--until it really warms up. The previous owner(s) have removed the factory manifold and installed headers, also removed all of the pollution control items(AIR pump system, EFE system, EGR system--still has catalytic converter) and the A/C compressor--and did not do a real good job of it--lots of cut/broken vaccum hoses--and A/C compressor looks basically ripped out. Question is: Am I better off keeping the headers or replacing the factory manifold and all of the gutted emission control parts. The headers are in really bad shape and will need replacing anyway--so what is the best way to go on this?

I have just become the proud owner of a 78 L-82 vette. I am starting the restoration (this is my first attempt at this--I have fairly solid mechanical and electrical skill--but am still in the "shadetree" range) of this car and am looking for advice on where to start. Overall car is in good shape. First major issue:

runs very rough--really won't idle without someone working the gas pedal--until it really warms up. The previous owner(s) have removed the factory manifold and installed headers, also removed all of the pollution control items(AIR pump system, EFE system, EGR system--still has catalytic converter) and the A/C compressor--and did not do a real good job of it--lots of cut/broken vaccum hoses--and A/C compressor looks basically ripped out. Question is: Am I better off keeping the headers or replacing the factory manifold and all of the gutted emission control parts. The headers are in really bad shape and will need replacing anyway--so what is the best way to go on this? going back to the original manifold and pollution control systems may not solve the problem you may want to try a new carb ellderbrock 650 cfm is a great choice ,also look at youre distributor a mallory hei with adjustable vaccume advance is a nice replacement if you are not to concerned with originalty this may solve the problem but nothing is 100 percent how many miles are on the motor may have somthing to do with it also

What are you goals for the car? Are you looking to bring it back to stock or will you be looking to add power to the car?

gonsailiing is on the money - the first question is what do you want to do with the car?

gonsailiing is on the money - the first question is what do you want to do with the car?

:iagree: may be time to pull the motor and do it right

I have just become the proud owner of a 78 L-82 vette. I am starting the restoration (this is my first attempt at this--I have fairly solid mechanical and electrical skill--but am still in the "shadetree" range) of this car and am looking for advice on where to start. Overall car is in good shape. First major issue:

runs very rough--really won't idle without someone working the gas pedal--until it really warms up. The previous owner(s) have removed the factory manifold and installed headers, also removed all of the pollution control items(AIR pump system, EFE system, EGR system--still has catalytic converter) and the A/C compressor--and did not do a real good job of it--lots of cut/broken vaccum hoses--and A/C compressor looks basically ripped out. Question is: Am I better off keeping the headers or replacing the factory manifold and all of the gutted emission control parts. The headers are in really bad shape and will need replacing anyway--so what is the best way to go on this?

Check all over the intake and carb for open ports. Vacuum leaks can possibly cause some of the symptoms you describe. Maybe something as simple as a choke adjustment too.
If you don't need all the emissions stuff to pass inspection I'd forget that stuff. I'd go with Jet-Hot coated headers- I just replaced my sidemount Hookers with Jet-Hot coated ones. Looks like a different car.

gonsailiing is on the money - the first question is what do you want to do with the car?

:iagree: these guys are right- you need to decide what you want BEFORE you invest a lot of time, effort and $$. No good going in one direction and then deciding you really want to go another way..