Well I had this car for about a month now and I just noticed it is somewhat sluggish, even if I floor the gas the car doesn't really take off, also the car takes a while to get up to 55-60. Im pretty sure even a stock 4 cil civic could easily beat this car in a race.

I have changed the oils, gas filter, spark plugs, rebuilt the 2 barrel carb, and it still feels about the same maybe a little better.

Also if I don't hold the gas for at least about 5 secs after starting it dies. Also it used to die sometimes if I hit the gas softly from a stop but that was before I got the carb rebuilt, it hasn't happened since

If im not wrong I should be getting more power out of a 5.8L V8, what could be causing this. The mechanic were I had a tune up suggested switching to a electric ignition like this one HERE, im going to be buying that tomorrow but what else can it be?

 

Has anything been done to the engine? If it's a stock 2bbl 351, then it's just a stock 2bbl 351

 

Seriously? Im not sure if anything has been done to it, I only had it a year and the guy before me was only a reseller, its not the stock engine for the car though. Are 2bbl 351 Clevelands really that slow that they can't burn out? Or have a hard time getting up to 55-60? Thats depressing

 

So you have had it properly tuned? If so, and the points were replaced, the timing set, the pugs chaged etc, then the electronic ignition won't make much of a difference. It may feel a little smoother, but power won't really be increased. Have you had a compression check done? Does it blow smoke? Has the cam wiped a few lobes off? If it is a sluggish as you say, and even after a full tune up, it sound like a tired motor.

 

What year is the cleveland out of? Some years have really low compression and can be kinda pokey in stock form.

Have you set the timing? Timing is everything. Set it to ~10* advance at idle with the vacuum advance hose disconnected and plugged, then rev it and see how far it advances and at what rpm it tops out at. A bad advance curve can kill performance.

Is the choke functioning properly? Any time you mention cold start issues, I think choke problems. Check for proper adjustment and function. Electronic ignition will help with reliable starting and eliminate the ned for point maintenance, but probably won't affect performance.

 

No, 2v 351Cs will spin the tires in 1st and 2nd in an auto. 0-60 is real fast depending on your transmission. Look at your vacuum lines and make sure they are all connected. Then look into adjusting your carb. Also is your transmission slipping? Make sure your brakes are not on also.

 

Im not sure what year it is, how could I check? The choke also seems to be operating normally.

I did notice black smoke today after I started it but only for a few seconds, and how much do compression checks run? Im pretty sure I had a proper tune up, at least I payed for one....

Well I pretty much floor the car every time I drive just to get up to driving speed, today I floored the car and the mom in a minivan accelerated faster than me, its rather embarrassing. Also the car shifts pretty hard from 1st to second.

 

How a car accelerates and whether it spins the tires is gonna depend on a whole mess of variable,s not the least of which are gearing, tire size, tire type, and road conditions. It sounds like your tuning is either WAY off or it's just wore out. When was the last time oil was changed? Fuel fliter? What have you done to it as far as maintenence and tuning?

 

I just did the fuel filter abut 20 some hours ago, did the transmission oil and oil about 3 weeks ago then the mechanic did the oild and oil filter again when he tunned it up, and I had the carburetor rebuilt, and I guess the mechanic replaced the spark plugs and tunned it.

 

for some reason im thinking this 351 came out of a van or truck or something...maybe look into a 4bbl setup?