Hello from Minnesota

[73challenger340]

Hello everyone, I’ve been a long time visitor of this forum yet I just now made an account! I am working on a 1973 Dodge challenger that is for all things considered in pretty fair condition, little rust, it is Midwest after all. It has a 340 small block that was freshly rebuilt, I assembled the long block portion. The car belonged to my grandfather who last drove it in the late 70s! It has 68,159 miles and I believe it to have a 3 speed automatic transmission, it was a factory a/c car, planning to run vintage air sometime in the future. I am currently trying to start the engine for the first time, I had a slow crank and then nothing just a click at the relay on the firewall not sure if it’s the starter or the battery. The starter is only a few years old it’s a mini starter and it had previously turned the engine with so much power but the was prior to being rebuilt. If anyone can help with any advice, also not quite sure on timing, I set the distributor right before tdc on the compression stroke.

 

[DetMatt1]

Welcome to the site from the Motor City! How about some pics??
You definitely need to make sure your battery is good before you go any further.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Welcome to FEBO. You do know pictures are a must or we don't answer questions!

 

[Challenger RTA]

Here you go. The relay has to be grounded. Check battery terminals on battery, starter. Then go from there. The starer relay has to have a ground.

 

[Deathproofcuda]

Hello everyone, I’ve been a long time visitor of this forum yet I just now made an account! I am working on a 1973 Dodge challenger that is for all things considered in pretty fair condition, little rust, it is Midwest after all. It has a 340 small block that was freshly rebuilt, I assembled the long block portion. The car belonged to my grandfather who last drove it in the late 70s! It has 68,159 miles and I believe it to have a 3 speed automatic transmission, it was a factory a/c car, planning to run vintage air sometime in the future. I am currently trying to start the engine for the first time, I had a slow crank and then nothing just a click at the relay on the firewall not sure if it’s the starter or the battery. The starter is only a few years old it’s a mini starter and it had previously turned the engine with so much power but the was prior to being rebuilt. If anyone can help with any advice, also not quite sure on timing, I set the distributor right before tdc on the compression stroke.

Start with a fresh battery. For first start, I'd try setting the timing around 10 degrees BTDC on compression with rotor pointed at #1 plug terminal. Unless you have cleaned out the tank, hopefully you are feeding fuel to the carb from clean fuel can. Sounds like fun. Good luck with it.

 

[Steve340]

Check and clean the grounds points and inspect the cables themselves. Most engines have 2 grounding points.

 

[fasjac]

Welcome to the site from Arkansas!
Sounds like fun project! Share some pics when you get to it. And Ditto on the above.

 

[Challenger RTA]

currently trying to start the engine for the first time

You should do this first.

 

[Xcudame]

Welcome to FEBO from the desert! Please post some pictures when you get a chance. Recently when I got my 64 Imperial, the first thing I bought to fire it up was a brand new battery! The advice others have given you is very sound! These guys are pretty awesome on this site!!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Welcome !
More likely to be a battery or ground problem , when starting line up the reluctor & pick up close to TDC & advance it 15* approx

 

[Mopar Nut]

 

[moparlee]

Welcome to the site from Michigan! How is start up going?

 

[mrmopar340]

Waving from Virginia. One 73 to another.

 

[moparleo]

aboard. We need pictures.
Also take a picture of the engine compartment so we can see the set-up.

Rule #1 Always have a fully charged battery.
Always make sure that all grounds are connected and clean.
This includes anything electrical. Ground cable to radiator support and cylinder head.
ECU to firewall. Voltage regulator to firewall.
Engine to firewall.
Positive cable to starter connections.
Do not use temporary cable ends. They are just temporary until you get a new cable.
Consider them like a spare tire. Good for emergency but not to use permanently.
They corrode easily as they are not insulated but open to the atmosphere.
coil connections. initial timing set.
Fill the carbs fuel bowls so you don't need to crank the engine to use the carbs accelerator pump to squirt fuel.
You want an instant start up so you are not cranking a dry engine. This is how you can damage bearings.
Fill the carb bowls with a squeeze bottle and a small hose connected to the fuel bowl breather tubes. This prevents spillage on the top of the engine. Never pour fuel down the carb throat. Use the accelerator pump. That is what it is for.
Turn on ignition switch. Check power to ecu, coil, starter/solenoid cable.
Make sure everything is set before you turn the key. If everything was done correctly the car should start with 1/2 engine crank. If it doesn't and just cranks. Stop. before you cause bearing damage.
Something is wrong and you need to find it.

 

[Rapidfire]

Welcome from Nebraska. Nice to have you with us.