215 setup advice

[PaulV8]

Hi guys,
 
I need a bit of advice on my setup, i'll list it all so far to give you an idea on what i'm running.
 
Weber/Edelbrock 500
Mallory Dual Point Distributor
Fast road cam shaft
3.5 SD1 Rebored 20 thou over
9.75:1 pistons
Standard spec crank
Standard SD1 flywheel
Block Hugger manifolds
Offenhauser Dual port manifold
 
I've fitted the correct jets to the edelbrock, gapped the floats, installed the mallory correctly along with a new coil and HT leads.  Also new plugs gapped to 30thou.
 
The ignition timing is set to about 8 degrees BTDC.  Idle CO @1200rpm is 3.5% and HC is 400ppm.
 
The problem i'm having is the car is really difficult to start, it takes a good 10 to 15 seconds or more of turning over before it will fire cold or warm.
 
Have you got any tips on setup for easier starting?  Or comments on the way i have it setup currently?

Any advice would really be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Paul

[Simon Austin]

I haven't got my emissions test report handy, Paul, so can't comment on your readings.  My car is set-up much like your's except for a Buick distributor with Pertronix igniton, RV8 headers, Edelbrock intake and stock SD1 rebuild.

What jets did you put in the carb?  As for starting, mine would usually take a bit of time getting going as I kept thinking I was giving it too much choke, then not enough choke and wasn't sure if I was flooding it or not.  I checked with my engine builder on proper technique with this carb (Carter/Weber/Edelbrock) and he said, "use about 1/2" choke and as it's turning over initially, give it a couple of hits with the throttle to get the accelerator pump working".  I tried this just before I parked it for the winter and it did seem to make a difference.  Did you install your carb with a manual or electric choke?

Just for reference sake, your idle speed is about where I have to set mine to get it through emissions testing.  I just bought a driveable SD1 and while driving it home yesterday, I noticed the idle is around 900 or so.  Granted it's fuel-injected but interesting to see the difference.  

Cheers
Simon

[Moderator]

I don't remember what ignition settings I'm running, but as a general rule remember that less initial ignition advance will usually result in easier starting. I think the Buick/Olds factory manual calls for 5 degree BTDC at 850rpm.    

You're probably running an electric fuel pump, right? Try letting the fuel pump run for five or six seconds, then tap the throttle two or three times, which will make the accelerator-pump squirt. Mine generally starts right away without any choke. If I don't let the fuel pump run first a little first, the car doesn't seem to start so easily.

[Mr. T]

Thanks Curtis - I've had the same issue as Paul from time to time. My drop-base air cleaner was already  modified for manual choke clearance when I bought car, but it's now hanging up - need to adjust cable and /or give it a couple more whacks.

[castlesid]

I was always a bit nervous of giving the engine full choke, but found it was more likely to flood by continous use of the starter without actually starting.

My current method from cold is full choke then as soon as it catches push the choke in to about half way, it should start almost straight away.

Kevin.

[PaulV8]

Cheers guys,

After some playing about I've worked out 2 pumps of the throttle then turn it over from cold does the trick.  

Warm it's best not to use any throttle otherwise it floods.

Once it's run in i'm going to make a trip to a V8 specialist and have it rolling roaded and hopefuly we can tune it more accurately.

Just going to sort a photo gallery page out for it... seeing as it's almost complete.

[Moderator]

Excellent news!

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