Starting problems

[71HemiCuriousCuda]

Hey gang. Car has sat for a while. Hemi clone in a 71 Barracuda. I get it to crank once and then it stops. Got the clicky sound, now its just dead. clock is still working. Have a new Optima battery in 12.41V on a meter. Checked that starter relay was grounded throughout. Made sure bulkhead connection is good (wiring could use replacing but pretty sure its not it). All other wiring is replacement Year One stuff (just referencing)Bypassed the NSS (by grounding). reconnected all wires on starter relay. Tried in P and in N. tried the screwdriver across the two points on the starter relay, again, cranked once and then dead. Have a mini starter that I have not looked into. Before I start ripping stuff apart what else am I missing? Thanks in advance

[Oldschool]

What does the battery meter show when the battery is under a load?

[70chall440]

"New" battery doesn't mean "good" battery. This sounds like a battery issue for sure, basically it doesn't have or isn't providing the cranking amps needed. Put a good charger on it and let it charge or jump it from another vehicle.

[71HemiCuriousCuda]

That red Optima is $275 has has not been used yet, that is literally the first use. If it needs charge, its going back. But I understand what you're saying.

[jimynick]

I'd pull the plugs and see if #1- anything comes out of a cylinder and #2 does it turn over then. At the least, that'll eliminate a variable. Engine has 2 grounds? clamp gauge to see what kind of current's being pulled down the positive cable when it does crank? Does the engine turn over at least 720' by hand? Just some little pensees. 

[71HemiCuriousCuda]

Swapped out the Optima battery, which was the problem! One of teh cells was bad. Got a new 10/21 replacement and now we crank! Problem is no fuel getting there. Jumping to the other thread to ask what to try there. Thanks for all the help.

[70chall440]

Glad you figured it out

[Oldschool]

Good deal.