I'm getting ready to go out for the 4th of July weekend on my '76 Miller with a 460.

What are some tools or other things that are "must have"? What parts will save your ass out there?

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!