Tim's 1600 rebuild

[Island Packers <ipco@cruz.isle.net>]

Tim,
Sounds like you are having some of the same problems I am having. 
Except mine is fuel injection.  I don't have an answer for most of your
questions except for the backfiring...Have you installed a new muffler
system since the rebuild?  I installed a tuned exhaust when I put the
engine back in the car after the re-build.  Two problems came up: 1)
There was a hole in one of my exhaust pipes (heat exchanger) which was
causing backfiring, I had to replace it.  2) The new muffler was much
lower then the stock one, so it has the habit of scraping on high
driveways, this caused it to loosen, and allow air to seep into the
muffler.  In either situation, cold air which was seeping into the pipes
(like when downshifting) would rapidly expand in the hot pipes, and then
cause a backfire as it heated up, and mixed with the other exhaust
gasses.  The problem is not too serious, this is most likely the cause,
if the block is new, maybe your screws on the muffler are not on
securley enough.  Check for leaks, and tighten those screws, if the
problem persists, it may mean something more serious.

Eric
'71 TIII SqBack
ipco@isle.net