Back on Topic - Making progress
I increased my timing to 18 advance. Holly said today to have a max timing at 2500 rpm at 34-36, with as mucuh at idle as long as I don't have starting problems when it's warm. They had said a long time ago when I spoke with them, the samd 34-36 max, but 10 at idle. I had it at 10 to start with. This did help, but not fix.
I put in the 76 jets. Helped some more. I put in the 87 jets, and it smells quite rich, but now it just barely glows down at the collector. The plate where they collect, not the tubes.
So, I'm thinking I need to try something larger than 78, but definitelyl less than 87.
Had a follow-up call with Holley, and they said that maybe the combination of my smaller tailpipes (unfortunately, with teh X member and all, I'm at 2 1/2' pipes) and the shortie block hugger headers, that maybe a little glow down there is going to be 'normal'. I'd think I would have noticed that in the past.
I am still wondering why it started after this engine work. However, with new lifters and fresh adjusting of valves, maybe it's just pushing more through. It definitely runs much better.
I'm considering it fixed...for now...
I have the 76 (+2 over stock) jets in, and have set advance to 18 (total advance comes in at ~ 34).
Engine is running good. No hesitations. No RED HOT when I park and leave engine running and check (my latest check).
I'll update again if I decide different.