The solution to this has to be easy and obvious to someone more skilled.

The basics - We removed the old quadra jet, cleaned the engine extremely well, took off all emissions equipment. (Not illegal under Mass Law as long as you do it yourself and the car is pre 1994) Added a new 590 cfm Holley double pumper and new Dist. We had the car professionally tuned ($1600 bucks) and she ran like a charm. Started instantly and reliably.

Over time, the idle crept up and would not kick down, eventually ending up with a car that still ran good, but would only start cold with the starter. If you pushed it, it would start. Huh?

I turned down the jets, greased the accel cable and adjusted the idle screw down. Idled better and would kick down to 750 to 1200. Even still you have to kick it down at every red light.

Anywho' I made this wicked short vid for anyone who wants to make a suggestion.

One last thing. The battery ground cable was loose and the car seems to start better when warm, but a shot of starting fluid works better than a stomp on the gas pedal. Huh?

Thanks in advance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DnAEo1ejDA

 

so by the looks of things you have fuel, now on to the second part, do you have spark? ... also in the morning when cold does your choke work properly? Now you said that with starting fluid it fires up, are you saying that it fires up right away? check your plugs to make sure they're still in good shape...