i have a 84 pickup with a 360 4 barrell. when i get on it or go into passing gear it spits and sputters before taking off. does this sound like a timing problem or carburation? any help would be much appreciated.

 

an 84 with a 360 4bbl? that doesnt sound right.

 

I believe the last year for the 360/390 was '76 and they used the 600cfm Holley 4bbl

Does it spit back out the carb? That's normally an indication of a lean mixture and could indicate the accel pump is weak or the jets are plugged. The Holleys with vacuum secondarys were bad about the seconday plates sticking open as well.

A weak coil will also cause similar symptoms.

I'm assuming you've already checked the vacuum advance diaphragm to make sure its OK since that will cause hesitation, but usually not backfire through the carb.