Starting problem or typical?

As you all know my engine is carbureted (pre 85 of course) and i notice i have to hold the key down sometimes extra long for the engine to start. is this typical for a carbureted system? im used to the newer types where you just breifly hold down the key for not even a second and its already started. just wanna know.

You may need a tune up. I've known well running carbureted engines to start up much quicker than newer fuel injected cars. When I had my edelbrock running my car I had it set up so well that literally I could flick the key and it'd start. I know my father's '06 Silverado starts exactly the same every time: four very fast cranks (just over 1 full second timed). Natuarlly and older carbureted engine may be a little more inconsistant, but if you have to really crank it to start it, something may be up. Vacuum leak, worn plugs, wires cap and/or rotor, not advanced enough ignition timing, choke not fully engaging, dry carburetor bowl, dirty jets... any of these can and often do contribute to a harder start.

Remember that with a carbureted engine, the accelerator must be depressed to the floor ONCE before attempting to start the engine. This operated the accelerator pump to enrich the starting mixture, and sets the choke to keep the cool engine running once started.

my 86 takes a while to start as well. i jsut chalk it up to the carb being tempermental. i am also used to fuel injection so it may seem longer to me due to that. my truck, jetta and passat are all injected. my 79 rabbit is as well but i think the motor is almost done as ti REALLY takes forever to start.

yeah i do pump the gas petal before a cold start, even when the engine is hot though i still have to give it a pump sometimes. i did recently have a tuneup a few months back when i first got it, new plugs, wires and dist. cap. im thinking of getting a whole new performance carb though eventually, and i'd like to get one of those high torqe starters too if thats possible.

my 84 used to do the same thing than I just cleaned the carb. it now starts everytime with a small flick of the key. either way it never bugged me even when it took forever to start in the morning as most the cars I own this old did the same.

I also did clean the carb too. it doesnt bother me that much though, as long as it starts. when it does that my friends say "oh no" as they think it wont start lol. but yeah i would like to have it just as a flick to start, what does everyone think of those high tourqe starters though? would those make a difference as well? silicon im sure you would know about them too.