I just put in a fresh 460 in my '76 Miller and it can be a little hard to start. I haven't put it in the water yet.

I'm wondering if the starter is draining too much power while it's cranking and not letting the distributor get enough spark. The reason I say this is that when you crank it, it wants to fire up in the first split-second but then if you keep cranking it for another moment it sounds like it has no spark. When I start it cold it fires up no problem. If I wait 5 minutes after it's off and warm, it starts no problem. If I try and start it right after turning it off and it's warm, it doesn't want to go.

I'm pretty sure I'm not flooding it. I don't pump the pedal but I do give it maybe 1/8 throttle. Like I said before, this works perfectly if it's cold or if it's been a few minutes since I turned it off.

- Could it be the distributor is not getting enough power while the starter is cranking?
- Is a points distributor enough?
- Do I have good spark plugs?
- Is a 750 carb enough for this motor
- Are 460s just tough to start?

Here are the stats:
Stock DOVE-C heads
Forged pistons, 9.5:1 compression
Edelbrock 750 carb
Airgap Performer RPM intake
Comp Xtreme Marine Cam 34-241-5 (234/244 @0.50)
Comp roller rockers
Mallory distributor/wires - red cap/non-marine? (I think it's a 2556701)
Autolite 45 sparkplugs
Timing is 12-14 advanced at 800-900, 30-32 total
Berkley 12-JC w/A impeller


Also, any guess on how much power this will put out and a possible top speed?

Thanks!

I put a timing light on it an it's 12-14 degrees at 800-900 rpms/30-32 total after 2500 rpms.

Is that too much? On my Chevys it's always been fine.

What kind of starter do you have I had a problem like that to if the solenoid was warm it didnt like to fire.

The starter is brand new and it has a remote solenoid. It has no problem cranking, it just doesn't fire up right away.

I think I'll back off the timing and see how it goes.

What do you guys normally run for timing on a 460 like mine?

That sounds pretty good. I have it at 12-14 probably. I need to get it in the water and idling and then I'll try 10 initial and 32 total at 2500 RPM. I have a timing spring kit that should let me get the "sweet spot".

Any guess on what kind of power you think these specs will put out? 400hp?

I have pretty much same set-up as you with the 460, just running dual carbs though. 660's. Mine is at 13 degree's at about 1000 to 1200 rpms. Fires right up. Pretty quick starts.

I just got back from its maiden voyage and everything was flawless. Once it was in the water it started right up. I can start it any time with no problem. I think she just wanted to get wet....