Hard Starting Hot Big Block

Check the how many foot lbs it takes to turn the motor. Here are some numbers for short block only no plugs or valve gear. Stock engine and rings 20 -30 ft lbs race engine 15-20 ft lbs oval track engine with low tension rings 10 ft lbs. Remember to seat the thrust bearing front to back. or the engine will spin tight. My son builds a lot of engines of all types . Those are the numbers for V-8 gas, I just called him. Just finished a 505 BB it was 17 lbs to turn it. 10 sec full size 92 dodge ram .
I don't have a dial style torque wrench so not sure I would do a drag test to be honest...