1971 C3 Big Block Issue Starting

by Chuck
(Rochester, NY, US)

I have recently acquired a 1971 C3 454 that had been sitting in a barn for 20 years. I have changed the gas tank, the distributor, the points, the oil, the spark plugs and the fuel filter. The engine cranks when I turn the key (I manually cranked it first) but will not start. I was able to turn it over with some starting spray, spraying it directly into the carburetor.

I suspect that there is an issue with fuel delivery however, I am not sure where to start. My best guess is that either the fuel pump is bad, the lines need to be blown out or a long shot may be the fuel relay.

Can I get the fuel pump in my home garage? Is it possible the relay is bad? The car was running when it went into the barn. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

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