How often do these go out? When I start the car in the morning, it fires right up. But after it's warm it takes a couple of cranks to start. I was told that this could be a bad fuel pressure regulator. But I have good pressure. (tested). Any thoughts?

 

You bought your Bird from Car Craft magazine?
My own birds a 350 Formula convertible
AFPR? Not sure what that is...A part anyway.
I'm working on my own and it still has some odd quirks as it did when I bought it. It was the summer time then and it seemed to want to stall alot. I really wonder how a new L98 would perform if it was just swapped in.
-B

 

I read the article... one of 'em. It's sad to note they are not too impressed with the 350 Tuned Port, even though few seem to have this motor in the many Camaros and Birds running about. I think it offers up quite alot in a nice full-size go kart like the 3rd gens. hmmmm I just don't get it. To be honest, the pushrod V8 often just gets passed over as too lowtech, too "yesterdays' big thing"
Bill

 

If you've got good pressure, the regulator's not a suspect.

How old is your ignition coil?

My experience has been that their early warning signs of failure tend to show up on hot restarts...coil's only getting ~9-10VDC during cranking, the insulation is broken down, windings can't make as much voltage as they used to, car takes longer to start but runs OK otherwise.

If yours is old, just get another AC Delco coil (AutoZone can get them)...I'd personally steer clear of aftermarket ones.

 

for Bill Speed; AFPR - Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator

For stingerssx:
The stock fuel pressure should be around 44psi with the vacuum line disconnected, and engine running at idle.

Stock regulators and AFPR do not go bad very often. I have an '87 TPI car and in 17 years never had a bad regulator.

Due to alot of minor reasons for an older engine, it may take a few cranks to start. Normally, I would suspect the electrical system: corroded battery terminals, weak battery, coil (as mentioned above), etc.

If you do have an AFPR, try increasing the fuel pressure by 2 to 4 psi and see what happens.

BTW: When I start my 395, I turn the key to the on position and let the fuel pump biuld fuel pressure in the fuel rails. Then I turn the key to start.