The engine never idled as well as it seems it should, but it ran great otherwise. Recently a friend who really knows Quadrajets offered to tune up the carburetor and promised to make it idle better. While he had the carb, I found a relatively inexpensive used Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold which I installed while I had things apart. While I was inside the engine, I added a lifter valley splash shield. When I got all done with the work, I realised the cheap chrome valve covers I had installed when I built the engine were looking rather tatty so I installed a nice set of chrome Chevrolet script valve covers which go nicely with the air cleaner.
Not only does it look better, aside from being dirty from the 21,000+ miles I've logged since the rebuild, it runs remarkably better. The idle is smooth and slow and the power output is increased across the entire RPM range. It also has a bit more top end than before, though I doubt I'll use that much as this vechile is and will remain a workhorse used for towing and hauling.
I actually added the aftermarket air conditioning about three years ago, but I failed to document it here at that time. The system is exceptionally simple and is not integrated into the heating system as more sophisticated systems would be. But, installed and operating, it cost less than $550! I did the installation myself but I did have a shop vacuum and fill the system when I was done. It works flawlessly and cools the truck quickly even on the hottest days.
Here is the compressor. If the system ever gets low on coolant, I plan to remove both lines and have them refitted with straight fittings and then pivot the compressor 90 degrees to the left so the coolant lines won't looks so obtrusive.
The unit in the cab hangs under the dash and isn't as smooth of an install as the behind the dash systems, but I didn't have to sacrifice my glovebox space or replace my heater system. When I ever get around to updating the interior I plan to install bucket seats and build a custom console which will contain the evaporator unit and reposition the underdash gauges into the console as well for a more slick installation.
August 2007: some minor updates. I had the engine out recently to replace a bad oil pan and various oil leaks. I installed an aluminum water pump and tightend up the clearances in the oil pump to improve hot idle oil pressure. I generally cleaned up the engine compartment. The internals in the engine looked great after 20,000 miles. A year or so ago I had the Quadrajet gone over by a friend who knows these carbs well and it now idles much better. At the same time I added an Edelbrock Performer Q-Jet RPM intake manifold which really perked up the engine. At that time I added a lifter valley oil splash shield too along with a braided steel hose for fuel delivery from the pump to the carb.
