Eric,
I disagree that the problem stems from the components, or the combination, of the engine build. None of it is overly radical & 15-17" of vacuum should produce clean plugs. While 16* of idle timing is ok, & not cause your current problem, more would be beneficial. Easiest way is to use a dist with adj vac adv, connected to
manifold vacuum. See the link below for more info.
Can you stall the engine by screwing the mixture screws in? If not, then that is
a problem & could be THE problem.
I never liked the Holley PV system, it is a real mickey mouse arrangement. A very soft spring balanced against the characteristics of the rubber diaphragm to set vacuum? What happens to the rubber characteristics with heat & immersion/drying out in fuel. Is a 8.5 PV still 8.5 after a few months?
So I would be looking at the PV system &/or porosity.
As far as 600 AFB v 600 Holley. Loooooong before Edel got into re-making Carter AFBs, they compared a 9625 AFB with a Holley 600 6619 carb on a 350 Chev.
The AFB made 17 hp more, 17 more ft/lbs & used less fuel doing it.....PM me if you would like a copy of the test. Also, if you think Edel was biased, a little known fact is that Edel were selling modified Holleys around that time.
MVA benefits, scroll down to post #6.
www.hotrodders.com/forum/vacuum-advance ... 47495.html