Holley EFI on rebuilt engine - Do I have to startup with carb?

[HK_Camino]

Hey guys, I had a blown head gasket and ended up rebuilding most of the 350 that is in my '86 el camino. I also picked up a holley sniper EFI kit to install with the fresh engine.

My question is, can I startup the engine directly with the holley unit? or do you guys think I'll gave to bolt the carb on to get the timing set perfect first?

If anyone has had similar experience with this I'd love to hear their approach.

Thanks!

 

[rfpowerdude]

I've always started with a known good carb that has been run on the engine before or one similar. That way, you KNOW it's not gonna be a fuel delivery/metering problem if you have issues. Once you get it sorted with the carb, then switch to the EFI and you will know that any issues are with the EFI install, nothing else. Minimize the variables in any given situation...

 

[Streetbu]

Did you do rings, pistons, bore/hone the block? If so I would start it with a carb merely so you don't ruin your O2 sensor with oil. Otherwise, use the efi.

 

[melloelky]

have you run your current cam and lifters previously?