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Yeah, and it's always the carb that's at fault. If it's a Holley, someone will say, "Replace that piece of junk with an Edelbrock," and vice versa. North Texas isn't exactly like the upper Midwest in the winter, but I've never had issues starting my old cars or trucks in sub-freezing weather, and waiting no more than 30 seconds before driving. And that's with several engines and carb combos. It's mainly a matter of choke settings, including fast idle.
I did have a "hesitation" issue on a 350 engine with a 600 Holley on a day in the high 20s. It was so cold, the coolant wouldn't get above 160F or so even after 15-20 minutes of driving! But I tuned it out with slightly larger squirters and 1-step richer power valve.
I actually enjoy playing with carbs. My all-time favorite is a old-skool 650 Holley #80783C. Classic gold finish and worked great at all throttle positions and loads, with zero changes from stock except for float level and idle mixture adjustments. Sold a car with that carb installed. Wish I would have replaced it first.
In good condition, these Squarebodies are VERY reliable, although I would go after a pre-computer year if I were you - no worries about costly computer replacements, no worries about said computers becoming "obsolete" and irreplaceable. Things to worry about are, if you want an automatic, as most people nowadays do, is the condition of that automatic trans. If the fluid is brownish or burnt-orange instead of red or pink, and smells like varnish instead of baby's liquid vitamins, you almost certainly are going to have to have the trans overhauled in the next year or two. Look at the color of the motor oil. If it is inky black, beware. Listen carefully to the engine with it hot - meaning after after having been driven at least 15 minutes. If you hear valve train sounds, stuck lifters rough, uneven idle combined with valve train noises, engine probably has been neglected and will need an overhaul in a year or two, less if you use the truck hard. Listen for gear whine both while accelerating and coasting. If you hear that, you know what that means. If the body and frame are rust-free, and you don't mind fixing it's issues, you can have a seriously good truck, but if you want something that you can used daily right now, stay away. You want a nice quiet engine, an auto trans with nice red fluid that smells like baby's vitamins, no whining noises, and no knocking from the engine's lower end and you don't want low oil pressure.
One thing to think about in really cold climates is to use 2 gauge battery cables, and never ever try to use 6 gauge battery cables on an American-sized engine, meaning over 200 cubic inches.Sad story.
I am slowly going back to vehicles with no electronics. I have 2 ford pickups (2009 V10 and 2007 6.0L diesel). I find my biggest problem is plastic and failed electrical components. The old square bodies are heaven for repair compared to newer items. The 6.0L needs the cab removed to change some engine parts.
