my barracuda does the same thing, 360 w/ edelbrock carb... I found that when the engine is cold, pump the throttle a couple times and it starts right up. When it is hot, push the gas 1/4-1/2 of the way down and it fires no problem, if I don't hit the gas, it takes forever. I have a 1" spacer I was going to put on it but, my air cleaner will hit the hood so, I live with it like it is for now. I also adjust the choke a little different for winter than I do for summer.