Hi all, I'm new to this forum and need help. I have a 1923 T Bucket which was built by Street Rodder Magazine in 1985 as a Cover Car and a Sweepstates giveaway car. Engine put in this t-bucket at time of build just shows 1978 SB 350 from a Camaro. Originally was built with a 4 barrel carb on it and then changed later to 3 dueces which I took off and put back as a 4barrell.

I have just put on a Edlebrock performer manifold and performer 600cfm carb. Engine is running rich and plugs are fouled with black carbon. If I try and give it much throttle I just get alot of black smoke out of the headers and it backfires.

Here are my questions:
I am using Delco Plug R45TS which shows as correct plug for a 1978 Camaro. I'm not certain what the plug gap should be. In 1978 most applications used HEI ignition and this motor just has distributor and points. So I'm thinking that the normal .045 is to big a gap and maybe .035 should be used not sure.

I'm not sure what timing should be. I've got it set at 12 degrees BTDC now.

I'm not sure what the dwell should be but from what I've been able to ascertain maybe around 29-31 degrees.

Also this engine was built using a Holley Fuel pump and I don't know how much pressure it puts out but my Edlebrock insts. state that I should not have more than 6.5 lbs for their carb to function correctly. I will get a regulator and put in the line and hopefully that will take care of the rich condition. I will check distributor points.

I guess I'm asking what things to check and what would cause this engine to run so rich and lose power and backfire when I'm trying to accelerate with it. I'm ok going slow around town without using much throttle.