I suspect its the floats.. but then again I have no idea how to fix them.
Here is the problem: 460 CID BBC w/ Holley 750 DP with an 850 baseplate. MSD 6AL and blaster 3 coil. Carter 120 gph mech. fuel pump.

To start the car cold.. or even after its cooled down to 120.. I have to crank, and crank.. wait.. crank.. wait.. you get the picture. When it starts up, I get this explosion of raw fuel out the tailpipes.
When its warm, say 180-200, (maybe this is just because the car had been recently running), I can just reach in, turn the key, and it pops to life.

What does this sound like? I'll fill in any details I left out.

Also-- please tell me the following is impossible and its just the tires breaking loose. I've noticed twice when I get on the new motor pretty hard, it feels and sounds like it dropped into neutral (TH400) and I have to let off the gas and go again. The old motor used to spin, but today I was doing 50 or so coming out of a stop onto a small highway, and as I got on it harder, it felt like it slid into neutral until I backed off and then got on the throttle very softly..
now.. I know it dosen't sound likely.. but is it possible?

Thanks everyone..
Matt

about your tranmission - i think big block mike have a similar problem.

Do you have a choke and have you verified that it's functioning when the engine is cold? I don't think that a float level issue will have an effect on cold vs. hot starting...... I'd check the choke, and install one if you don't have one.

chris

I have an electric choke, and it appears to be opening when hot and doing its job when cold. I actually think the problem may be somehow the engine is getting too much fuel when starting. I'll have to give it a shot starting it without giving it any gas.
The old cam-engine setup wouldn't start without a stab of gas and holding it @ 1/2 throttle, then once it started you could leave it alone.
I'll check it out though.

Thanks..
Matt

Hmmmm, you say it sounds like it;s getting too much fuel at startup? Make sure the choke isn't closed too FAR when cold, that could cause that. Also you're right, try starting it cold witout pumping the gas, and hold the throttle open only a crack, and not 1/2 way. Don't expect it to fire immediately after touching the key, but it should be able to start within a few rotations. After sitting long enough to get cold, it'll take a few revolutions to get the fuel sucked in.

Also, timing and ignition could affect how fast it starts. I had a poorly set up HEI with a weak coil that would like to crank a lot before starting. Now I have a much better set up with an MSD 6AL and it lights right up.

I bet with a little experimenting you'll be able to figure out just what your engine likes! Good luck!

chris

Well, it appears as if the choke was 'over choking' the engine.
I loosend the bolts and turned the choke housing, I think I went the right direction.. I can't find my holley book. :confused:
It started up just fine in the 60 deg weather after I decided I needed to tinker around. Not giving it gas was just making it crank with no startup. So I decided to move the choke body thing a little. Then I manually held the choke open and it came right to life, without the gobs of smoke I've been experiencing. I'll know tomorrow afternoon when I have some free time if I went the right way or wrong way in adjusting the choke.. hmm.

Matt

Well, I think you found your problem! ;) Sounds like the choke was on too far. Keep turning it off until it starts to start like you like it to. (nice sentence.... :D ) You'll know if you are lessening the choke, when the choke flap starts to have a little gap in the front. Sounds like you got it licked though......

chris

on your thinking it's going to neutral problem maybe it's something to do with the kickdown?