Not feeling so good right now.  I got her started, but not without a loud backfire.  I'm not sure this cause the smoking, but the left side smokes on start up (quite a bit and then subsides) but continues a little even as it is running.  I followed the start up procedures listed and have good oil pressure (50 to 60 lbs) and engine runs 190 degrees.  Sounds good runs good, however it's smoking.  I'm just a little on the sick side right now, wondering if the backfire caused any problems.  Any thoughts of what it might be.  If I hadn't just had the heads machined (even though I'm not sure they replaced valve guides) along with everything else machined, I would swear it was valve guides.  It's time to take a break and have a beer or two.  Thanks, David

The backfire did not harm the engine.   Carb or vacuum pieces perhaps, but not the engine.  It probably did no harm.  It's not unusual to have a backfire when starting.

Thanks for your comments....I started this morning and much improved already.  I have not set the dwell and timing yet.  As a matter of fact, could I have set the distributor in a tooth off.  I have the vacumm touching the manifold and will not turn any futher to the left.  Can I pull the distributor out and reposition so I have more movement both left and righ (retard/advance)?  I need to do that before setting my timing.  Can you tell it's been 37 years since my last rebuild?  Thanks, David

[QUOTE=corvettedave]  Can I pull the distributor out and reposition so I have more movement both left and righ (retard/advance)?  I need to do that before setting my timing.  Can you tell it's been 37 years since my last rebuild?  Thanks, David[/QUOTE]

When you go to move the distibutor a tooth you may have to take a long screwdrive and turn the oil pump shaft a little in order for it to fit back down tight.