[scotty54]

Update on my excessively advanced timing:

I have made significant progress with the carbs and so far have only focused on the idle circuit. "Idle" with regard to Webers is a misnomer - they call it the "slow running" circuit and it also meters fuel well above idle until it progresses into the main circuit. Cleaning the idle circuit - jets and mixture screws and orifices yielded a significant improvement in idle quality and low end throttle response (the mixture needle were all varnished). I have also gained idle vacuum - up to 14.5 (from 12). This has also enabled me to take another shot at the timing, and at 2000 RPM I am currently sitting at 40 degrees. Not quite the 36 it should be but making progress.