We just got done putting everything in the car, and when we turn the key over, the first few revolutions the car will backfire, then after that it will turn over really slow. The battery is brand new, so that is not the problem. Is there anyway to see if I am getting fuel without a fuel pressure gauge? I have an aeromotive AFPR, but how do you know where the right setting is right out of the box, I think this could be my problem, but im not positive. Also this engine has not been turned over for about a year or so. Any help would be great. Thanks Paul, One day the 383 will start (hopefully).

 

Did you double check the plug wires? How is the opti and coil? Without a gauge I dont know how you would be able to check to see if you are getting enough pressure..

 

The opti has been replaced, and I have double checked the coil wire, and all of the plug wires. I know this is probably a dumb question, but could for some reason could the timing be wrong or something, i didnt think that this could happen on these but who knows.

 

Did you put the timing chain on correctly?

 

Be sure your valves arent to tight. Mine was doing the same thing when I first tried to start it.

Or maybe the timing chain is off a tooth.

 

We had an engine builder assemble the bottom end of the car, what would cause the engine to turn over slowly, and now it barely turns the engine over at all. Thanks for all of the replies so far. Paul (very confused still)

 

Valves that are to tight

 

I loosed the valves and its still hard to turn the motor over, im thinking it could be the starter, because everything else is getting power, but any other ideas would be welcome. Paul

 

Did you change the flywheel or re-ring it? If you did you may need to put some spacers in the starter to get it to line up properly. You can get the spacers from GM, they originally came on the LT1 Vette I believe.

I needed them when my twindisk went in. I couldn't get it to crank over either, because the starter was binding on the flywheel. I was lucky I didn't lose a tooth.

 

I had a problem similiar to that once. I accidently put the distributer in 180 degrees backwards.