When you have an automatic transmission, to set the idle speed correctly, you must be in gear. However, the risks of putting the car in Drive (with the parking brake on of course!) and standing in front of it are obvious.

Here's a tip I figured out, perhaps it is already well-known to some of you, but here it is anyway:
1. Back the car up to a solid wall.
2. Put it in Reverse instead of Drive.
3. Set your idle without getting run over.

 

i never done this on my own, always had someone standing on brake inside. but if I hadn't that I'd just use a few good blocks of timber in front of wheels to avoid any scratching and denting

 

Not to hijack, but since you brought it up... what is the correct idle speed (in gear) for a 289/c4?

 

I seen a hilarious way to do it. My neighbor took a tow strap strapped it to a big tree, and the other end to his rear axle. Pretty comical to watch.

 

Are these all the things not to do? I think the tow strap to a big tree takes the cake.

It reminds me of an old comedy skit I once saw called "Red Neck Garage".

 

ya'll are way over complicating this

put the car in gear does it sound high or low?

If low put the car in park and adjust idle screw until you hear the engine rev just a bit put it back in gear does it still sound low? repeat if necessary. Same idea if its initially high.

-GUn

 

Exactly, and much safer.

 

I usually park the front tires against a curb and set the emergency brake.

 

Exactly

 

exactly what i did. exept i was doing this at my parents house so i had my dad sit in the car and put it in park/drive for me so i wasnt walking around constantly.

luckily though after tearing the carb down and rebuilding it the thing fired right up (MUCH better the before the cleaning/rebuild i might add). only thing i had to adjust was is would bog down when you would go to give it gas