Big day today. I plumbed up a temporary gas tank, bought a new HEI ignition system, ran a pressure test on the cooling system ( Found another rusted freeze plug, replaced with a temporary repair plug) and attempted to start it. Good crank, no noise, no loud lifter noise, etc. but nothing. Checked for spark, nothing. Called my mechanic buddy and he came over. Performed various check for voltages at the coil decided to switch back to the old coil, nothing. In putting the the new coil coil back on the new connector I'd put on came off. Put a new new connector on we had spark!!!! Cranked the engine, backfired thru the carb. So, my buddy looked at the firing order on my distributor and said you have wired it backwards. I'd used a small block wiring diagram, not a big block. Changed the wires and it started and ran, after probably 40 plus years !!!!!! Had to shut it down from the exhaust smoke in the garage LOL!!
So, where do I go from here? Go ahead and get it where it will start, run up to operating temperature and evaluate the overall condition of the engine. Or, now take it out and rebuild it? I know of no past history of this engine. I appreciate any input.
Thanks
