1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Need advice..buying a Sterling

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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:01 AM
  #1  
csmstudly's Avatar
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From: Bay City, Michigan
MI Need advice..buying a Sterling

I have been talking to Sterling and I am very close to buying one of his carbs.
But before I take the plunge, I want to make sure it is the right choice for me.
Here is my situation:
I have an 84 GS. It has the RB headers and exhuast. Otherwise it is stock.
I don't do any racing. Mainly just drive around town. I would like the car to be fast. I don't drive the car in the winter.
Here are my conserns:
Without the choke, am I going to have trouble starting the car on those cool Michigan mornings? How does the car idle with a Sterling? Are there any drivability issues for someone like me, who just likes to cruise around town and peel-out once in a while?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Chris
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 11:33 AM
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yetterben's Avatar
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From: eau claire
you might have to give it gas for a 20-40 seconds but then should idle fine.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 11:46 AM
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From: Kenmore, NY
I've got a sterling on my car with the same mods as you have.

I started mine last week when it was in the 40s and it was the first time this year its been started.. Just need to pump the pedal a couple times to get it started and I kept the choke cable attached to the carb so I can keep the revs high without having to hold my foot on the pedal to let it warm up.

As for driveability, was just like stock, just a little more power. I thought it actually idled better, but thats more because I needed to rebuild the old carb which is why I bought the sterling. Nice not having to worry if it'll start after filling up the tank now
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 11:55 AM
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inuissus_cendi's Avatar
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From: Minneapolis, MN
I had one with the same basic setup, and I live in Minnesota so I know cold. I never had a problem starting it, the choke cable still works to keep the idle high when cold.

I would recommend two additional mods besides your exhaust: a higher pressure pump with regulator and gauge (the Sterling likes a specific but low pressure, like 2-2.5psi), and an ignition upgrade (personally I went the 2GCDFIS route and wouldn't go back).

I'm going turbo now but kind of miss the Sterling, it was a GREAT setup.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 12:42 PM
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From: Trying to convince some clown not to put a Holley 600 on his 12a.
Mine idles at 600 RPM.
I run 3.25 psi.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:02 PM
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
I've got an 85 GS, and live in Michigan, and love my Sterling. Where are you located?
Also, I ran my Sterling on the stock fuel pump for the first year without any issues. But when I did upgrade the pump I did see an increase in performance. Here's the writeup I did on the pump installation:

https://www.rx7club.com//showthread.php?t=529605
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 06:46 AM
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From: Bay City, Michigan
Thanks for the input! I am very encouraged and I think I will go forward with the purchase.
Kentetsu, I am in Bay City. Thanks for the link to your thread. I will definately buy a fuel pump and regulator when I buy the Sterling.
Hope to have the car back on the road in May. I am in the process of body work and paint job. Also, installing a full body kit and Konig Rewinds. I'll post some picts when I am done.
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 10:45 PM
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Have you signed up with http://mirotaryclub.net/forum/ yet? Not a whole lot goes on over there, but good info on local meets and race schedules and stuff.
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 11:10 PM
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From: springfield,oregon
i think his carbs still maintain the fast idel linkage so you can still use your coke cable just will have to put 25c behind it to keep the coke on.

ild like to know the hp gain of the stearling with just a header and free flow exhaust
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