[Lynn]

If it hasn't run since you had the intake off, I would SUSPECT that the distributor is out of time. However, you still need to address the starter adjustment before you cause more damage.

600 amps is a bit weak for a big block, especially if it is very high compresson.

A load test would be a good place to start. From there I would do the following:

1. Pull the starter and make sure the bronze bushings on each end have a TINY amount of lube. I like red synthetic grease.

2. Leave the plugs out for now; install the starter, and get the starter shimmed as needed so it does not hang up at all.

3. Once you know it is perfect, put the plugs back in, remove the wires from the + side of the coil and see if it cranks OK. If it cranks slow, you know you either a. just don't have enough battery, or b. you have too much resistance somewhere in the battery cables. I know you said the cables were huge; but you need to check that they are in good shape at each end of each cable. I have seen cables that had started coming apart at the ends, and effectively only a few of those many strands were carrying the whole load. The other thing to check for is internal corrosion. If the old green "fungus garden" has grown up into one of the cables, that can corrode a lot of the wiring causing a lot of resistance.

4. On the other hand, if it spins nicely with the plugs in and no spark, it is time to hook up the spark. I would "snap" time it at NO MORE than 10 degrees advance before trying to crank it with the + wires hooked back onto the coil. I have seen more than one big block snap off a starter nose because the timing was too far advanced.

Hopefully it cranks fine and starts right up.