[Lobo'74]

YeeeHaaa!

Got it started!

I did as was suggested - pulled off the fuel supply line from the fuel pump, pulled all the spark plugs and turned the engine over (twice) for 10 or 15 seconds. While I was at it I replaced the disposable aluminum canister style fuel filter with a glass in line fuel filter with replaceable filter elements . . .

I then put in new AC/Delco R44TS plugs and reinstalled the fuel supply. It started on the first try. Ran a little rough initially, but I smoothly reved it to 3000 and it smoothed right out. Let it warm up at a fast idle while I cleared an open spot to get it out of the driveway and took it out for a spin. Runs great.

The front plug on each bank of the engine has the 90 degree boot hitting the header, so I'll have to get two Accel 576S "shorty" plugs for those two cylinders. Also, I suspect the ignition modules may be having trouble above 5000 rpm. The engine was balanced as part of the high performance rebuild and I've been given red line figures of 6500 to 7000 rpm. That seems pretty high, so I use a 6000 rpm red line. Since its a stock HEI I think it may toast itself above 5000. If it does it again I'll go with a PerTronix Flame Thrower Street/Strip HEI distributor set up.

Thanks to all for all the help. Feels good to be back on the road.