initial engine start

[2yellow69]

Ok, I'm going to start my new engine for the first time and need some advice. I've never started a fresh engine before.

I plan on using 10-30 oil with an engine break in additive. The engine has a flat tappet hydraulic cam so I'm worried about it not running perfectly right off the bat.
What should I set the timing at?

big block chevy - 396 .030 over = 402
Edelbrock 2-0 manifold
Quadrajet
Comp Cams xtreme 268
about 9 to 1 compression
semi-closed heads 114cc
Hei distributor
mid-length headers 1&3/4 primaries

Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

[Crossupbill]

Follow the cam manufacturers instructions on break in. 15-20 min at 1500-2000 RPM. Have everything ready to go so you do not have to shut the engine off during this period. Get a buddy or two to come over and help.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Remove the spark and putting your finger over the number one cylinder, turning with a socket, bring the motor around to compression. When the you start to feel pressure on you finger, blowing your finger off the hole, your approcahing TDC. Look at the balancer and as the balancer approaches TDC, stop at 14 degrees before TDC. Drop the distributor in and line up number one on the distributor cap with the rotor exactly. I like to set the cap on the distributor and draw a line on th distributor base so I can remove the cap and get it perfect. This will start the engine at 14 BTDC (within a few degrees) so you avoid all that drama of flames and back fires. Also, before starting, tunr the idle mixture screws in closed and open 1 1/2 turns, then crank a half turn into the idle adjustment.
Have a timing light on the motor and as soon as it fires verify timinig is in the 14 degree area give or take a few degrees.

[JEFFTATE]

Prime the oiling system before you crank the engine.
Summit sells a great engime oil primer that you stick in the distributor hole to turn the oil pump without cranking the car.
This pre-lubes the engine.

[yellow heap]

One way to get the timing from the start-rotate motor to get #1 cyd to 16 degrees or so BTDC(comp stroke) on the timing tab then center rotor under #1 terminal under cap.
Get a buddy with similar mill and get your carb to idle good on the runnin motor-Usually if the carb was working before(used carb) plop it on and start though testing it on another motor keeps you from pullin your hair out
More timing helps getin it started easy and keep the temp down

[2yellow69]

Thanks guys,
Hopefully I'll be able to put this info to good use this weekend. If I can get a few more things done before Saturday I'll be ready!

[oldrednova]

on priming the oil in the engine a cheap alt. to ordering the primer is weld an old fuel pump pushrod to a old oil pump drive shaft ;)

[Procharmo]

Also if you can have the lap top near the car watch this.

Brilliant stuff for us "non mechanic" first timer types.

[1969CamaroRS]

If you can have a heat gun available as well, you can check various locations on the heads and cooling system, give you or a buddy something to do during that 20 minutes as well.

Have a fire extinguisher handy as well.