Hello everyone.. I NEED HELP!!!! I have a 71 Eldo conv that I took the 500 out, and put in a 425, I have also converted to HEI, and took off all the smog(which is ok in Cali for that year). I got it all back together, and all I get is cranking, I get gas, I have spark, just cant get it to pop. I have ran the distributor straight to battery still nothing, I'm ready to throw in the towel and bring it to an electrical guy, i also put in 6 quarts of oil, and I dont get a reading, I did before cranking, but when I looked after it was bone dry is this normal or do I need to add more oil for a bone dry rebuild? Thanks-Chris

Timing is most probably not correct. Re-do the distributor install after making sure the #1 piston is on the compression stroke. All the "smog" stuff on the 425 should be left alone.
The EGR actually helps fuel economy on these engines. PCV keeps crap out of the engine oil.

Thanks Apeman...I reinstalled the distributor, and fired right up, the problem with putting the EGR back is that I put on a different intake that doesnt have the capability of an EGR from what I can tell. Where does the PCV valve go, I bought the engine from a junk yard pulled out of a car already.

THANKS MUCH!!! Your advise on the re install of distrubutor was the whole problem, now I'm timing, and cleaning up all the old wires.

Thanks again-Chris

Glad to help. The PCV gets direct manifold vacuum from a large (3/8") vacuum line that usually is located right on the carbonator. The PCV valve body sticks into a 90 degree rubber fitting on the valve cover. You can live without EGR but it does help economy on highway cruising.