I started my fresh 426 Hemi yesterday for the first time and I have a couple problems.

First: 66 426 Hemi: now a 484 with Callies stroker crank, JE pistons, Manley rods. Crane H-244/362-2S-14 Cam (.568/.572)
I am using stock heads, stock intake and (2) Carter 500cfm carbs.
Using a Mallory 140gph pump with regulator. 1/2 line from pump to regulator, 3/8 from regulator to carbs. Also a 3/8 return line to the tank.
Car is a 67 Coronet with 4-speed and dana with 4.10 gears.

Problems:

1) When pump is on it seems to make a knocking sound. I get fuel delivery though. The fuel gauge (small cheapo one off the regulator) bounces. I have it set I think to around 3PSI so it bounces 1-3.5 Is the regulator bad? should it make that knocking sound and bounce the gauge? Is the fuel set too low?

2) When I was breaking the cam in the headers started to glow red hot so I shut it down. This is after about 5 min of run time. Is this because of a lean condition?

So maybe I am answering my own questions, but do you guys think the 500 carbs are too small? fuel pump too small? regulator bad and set too low?

Other than that and some valve cover leaks it started up good and runs strong.

Thanks for reading and your help.

Need to advance the timing more, what is the timing set at now? The extra lift from the cam will make it hotter and you did not port the heads or intake so no increase in flow. More fuel pressure and check your plugs for lean conditions. Sounds like a nice car

I agree. Timing probably late. High rpm during break-in might make exhaust glow also, so is it glowing at idle or at 2,000 rpm? Excessive lean or rich condition might contribute. Is knocking from fuel system components or engine? Need more info. Carbs are probably too small, but for top end. Probably pretty responsive for around town driving, light to light romps, but would choke off on 1/4 mile top end.

Well when it started I went right to 2000-2500 for the break-in, have not idled it yet. Knocking is definitely from the regulator because I can turn on the pump before starting engine and it does it.

What would you think for carbs?

On the fuel pump, 140 gph rating should be plenty. The pump will need a big feed line from the tank, 1/2" minimum all the way, and is best pulling from a sump and mounted below tank level. For break-in purposes, a dead headed Mr Gasket mini pump from the AP store should supply enough fuel.

The knocking and needle bouncing could be a bad pump or pump cavitation caused by restriction in the pump intake side or air leak on the intake side. I'd get that sorted first and fuel pressure set 4-5 psi. You can jump the pump relay to run it with the engine off to trouble shoot.

Good luck!

I am running a sump, lower than tank. 1/2" all the way to the regulator.

That part sounds good!... just need to figure out the noise and bouncing gauge.

Turn the pressure up on the fuel pressure regulator with the motor running to 6 to 7 lbs and see if that eliminates the knocking problem

It did Cab, turned it up to 7psi and the noise went away and the needle steadied out but the carters I am running started to leak, or at least the front one leaked past the rods and also out the sides.