Start-up tips

[dodj]

Hopefully I'm going to start my car for the FIRST time this year after i get back from the NHRA nationals in Brainerd this weekend.
I changed the cam,  lifters and timing chain.
Any tips on how to best make sure it starts up quickly?
I have the hex rod for priming the oil system.  Have engine break in oil in it.

[Cuda Cody]

https://forum.e-bodies.org/engine-transmission-and-rear-end/4/engine-break-in-procudure/1053/

When I do it on a run stand or in the car I run it up to 2,000 right away when it starts up and immediately set the timing to 36 degrees.  Then I vary the RMPs from 2,000 to 2,300 every couple minutes to make sure the oil splashes around and get everywhere.  This goes on for about 20 to 30 minutes.  If there is a problem, shut it down.  Do not let it idle.  I use a thermal temp gauge (the one with the red light you point to get the temp) and I watch all the temps on the heads, exhaust manifolds and cooling hoses.  Any sign of over heating and shut it down.  While all if this is happening I'm listening to make sure the engine sounds good and it's firing on all 8.

[anlauto]

Make sure the car is in park if an auto, or neutral if a four speed.

[Roadman]

Make sure the car is in park if an auto, or neutral if a four speed.

                                             Came with in an inch of loosing my legs once because someone assumed it was in park. Also I never trust the shifter, I always rock the car back and forth to make sure its in park.   

[RUNCHARGER]

Always use the park brake (it's adjusted correctly I'm sure). Don't run a 727 for 20 minutes in park, it pumps oil in neutral but not in park.

[dodj]

 All good advise,  thank you,     but i meant how to ensure it starts up quickly. To ensure i don't  crank it excessively initially? 

[RUNCHARGER]

I set initial timing at 10 degrees usually and fill the float bowls in the carb with gasoline. I also turn it over by hand with the valve covers off to watch the valves and make sure I am not 180 degrees out on the distributor firing order.

[Shane Kelley]

You can also use this method that I use instead of pulling valve cover. Both ways work.
For making sure I'm on compression stroke. I pull #1 plug and hold my finger over the hole and just bump the motor over until the compression blows out the hole. Set the balancer where the mark is 20 degrees BTC. Set the distributor where the rotor is pointing right on #1. Have your timing light already hooked up so once it fires you can set it.

[dodj]

Why 20  degrees Shane? 

[Shane Kelley]

Why 20  degrees Shane?

That's usually a good point for fire up where it will stay running. Your not going to hit it perfect so using that number you will be close +/- a few degrees. Depending on what distributor your running it should end up being 34-36 total advance. I didn't catch what motor this your running?

[cudabob496]

When messing with timing at 3500 rpm, etc, I always jack the rear wheels off the ground too.
That way I don't enter the living room through the garage wall.

[HP_Cuda]

 

[dodj]

Why 20  degrees Shane?

I didn't catch what motor this your running?

This is a 440 with a mopar performance dizzy. Lunati 703 cam. MSD 6a ign. QF 850 carb.

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes 20 initial should work well with that camshaft.