How long does it take to...

[usraptr]

Couple of Newbie type questions.  We're getting real close to firing our newly rebuilt 440/512 stroker for the first time in my '70 Cuda.  I have a completely new fuel system i.e. gas tank, fuel lines, Carter mechanic fuel pump, and Quick Fuel carb.  I put 10 gallons of gas in the tank today.  Before firing the engine I'll also fill the carbs fuel bowls with gas.  The first questions is: After the engine fires how long does it take the fuel pump to suck gas from the gas tank to the engine?  Will my initial carb bowl fill be enough to keep the engine running until the gas reaches the fuel pump or will I have to do it a second/third/...time ? 

Second question: I've replaced the point distributor with a electronic ignition and 8.5mm high performance plug wires.  I know that I need to gap the plugs to .35 but do I run the stock style plugs or something different?

Sorry for these newbie type questions but this is the first time I've fired a brand new engine with new fuel system and first time conversion from points to electronic ignition.

PS. I plan on using CP's engine/cam break-in technique.  However, any recommendations from others who have done this are greatly appreciated.

[1 Wild R/T]

Fuel should get to the carb on the one fill.... 
Plugs depends on C/R, head design along with cam...    Higher C/R requires a cooler plug.. 

Flat tappet or roller? If flat tappet cam break-in requires that you go straight to 2,000 rpm after start-up & don't let the revs get below 2000 for 30 minutes.... If you can get it on a dyne that would allow you to load the rings which helps getting them to seat quickly & completely...

A big fan in front of the radiator helps but your gonna make some heat so keep an eye on the temperature & expect it to get pretty warm but if it gets over 230-240 drop it back to idle & shut it down, let it cool then start again...
Set the base timing at 15+ degrees BTDC & as soon as it fires use a dial back timing light & set total timing to 36ish degrees...  Keep an eye out for leaks...   Good luck.....

[burdar]

It's possible for the fuel pump to just suck air and have a hard time pulling fuel through dry lines.  It took me quite awhile for fuel to get up to the carb when I started my Challenger for the first time.  If you have access to a vacuum pump, you could probably use it to pull fuel up to the pump. 

I drained old gas out of my tank with just 6' of rubber hose.  I cut a slit about 4" from the end of the hose and inserting a blow gun.  By blowing air out the open end of the hose, it pulled the fuel out of the tank.  Once the fuel started flowing, it just kept going until the tank was empty.  That same principle might work to pull fuel through the fuel lines before the initial engine start.

[usraptr]

Thank you 1 Wild R/T and Burdar.  It's much appreciated. 

[usraptr]

1 Wild R/T,  I'm running a 440/512 440 Source stroker with ProMaxx 84CC Aluminum heads.  Per 440 source this will give me 10.85 compression. I'm also using  a Holley Dominator aluminum intake, Quick Fuel 880 Carb, headers and electronic ignition as previously stated.   I'll also be running 100 octane fuel.  What spark plug would you recommend for this set up? 

[1 Wild R/T]

Problem is I can't find anything on whether those heads take 3/8" reach or 3/4" reach, gasket or taper seat...So I really can't make a suggestion....
Heat range wise you have enough compression to look at a cooler plug but the aluminum heads are gonna pull heat out so I'd call it a wash & try a NGK in the 5 range or a Denso in the 16 range.. If you like Champions I'd try a 12 or 14... Run it & see what the plugs tell you...

BTW what pistons are you running cause I just checked 440 Source & I don't see 84 cc heads making 10.8X anywhere on a 512...
17cc dish makes 10.0X
Flat top does 11.3X
27cc dish goes 9.4X

Now the 500 does but....

[usraptr]

Thanks 1Wild R/T. Sorry for the late response.  We've been camping at the local lake the last three days.  Your're correct on the compression.  I was looking at the wrong chart. 

[usraptr]

Okay, I called ProMaxx and they informed me that the heads use 3/4" reach with a gasket seat.  He recommended a NKG R5671A-7.  Thanks for all the help! 

[dfrazz]

He recommended a NKG R5671A-7.  Thanks for all the help! 

champion rc12yc plugs would work too, same has the Eddy Performer heads.