Before I go digging through the web and getting half answers I will consult the experts, you guys. Okay, maybe not experts but close enough for me. My 40 Ford project is almost back together and ready to fire the engine. It is a Ford 302, C4 auto, electronic ignition, suppose to be a factory crate motor from about 8 years ago with little mileage since than. It has a low-rise aluminum Edelbrock manifold, with a Holly 4 barrel carb (see pictures to help ID the carb). It ran pretty fair when I drove it from the delivery trailer to home, 1 mile, about 9 months ago; even with burned wires, crimped headers, a burned up rear, little fluid in the trans, a frame that was cut almost all the way through on both top sides and on and on. NEVER buy a car without going and seeing it, no matter what you see in pictures. Sorry, I'm still hot, but now it is my project, not his. I have installed new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil and filter, new Flowmaster dual exhaust, correct headers, and the correct starter. The top of the valves look new, clean and no signs of valve or rocker wear. I removed the poly fuel tank, cleaned it out (it was already clean inside) and re-installed it. New fuel lines and filters, one on the electric fuel pump and another near the engine. I still need to finish up a few things, clamps, install the throttle cable, etc. Fresh battery and rebuilt rear installed. Suggestions on starting the engine? Plug gaps, so I can make sure I'm correct, timing, RPM, etc. Anything else I need to check before I turn the key?
If it is a Ford crate, most are set at 10 degrees BTDC. Without knowing what cam is in it, all your other questions can't be answered accurately. The most common crate had an E303 cam which is a hydraulic roller. Idle can be set at 750 rpm and may be ok. The carb is a variable also. Good luck.
Make sure you used the same firing order. 5.0 non HO is 15426378 5.0 HO is 13726548 Plug gap should be 0.045", some ran 60. 10 degrees on both, although they run better at 13 (premium fuel) Check idle smoothness in gear, raise idle if needed. Would be nice to prime the oil pump, but not a requirement. Have a hose and fire extinguisher handy, trans fluid and a funnel, timing light connected, and have the car on stands or wheels blocked and not facing expensive stuff. Another set of eyes helps too. Checking gauges and under the car while you concentrate on the motor operation and trans level.
Pull the plugs and crank it over untill you have oil pressure, when you are ready to start [plugs back in] the engine will have oil pressure as soon as it fires.
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