More troubleshooting help needed..., this is getting not so much fun Options

[lotus_65]

'74 2056 + dual 40's, mallory + blue coil internally ballasted.

So, because I just can't get the carbs right, I had a mechanic do it. The car ran great for about 300 miles and then started missing. I have gone through ignition, tested or swapped with known working replacements and the miss remains. I tested the mallory according to the instructions here: unilite module testing. It passed all those checks.
I did a fuel flow test to the carbs. flow at under 1lb is a little shy to the 3&4 side, but at 2, where I run the regulator normally it's effectively even flow. I pressurized the system and got 3lb's max (my return line is calibrated for that). Both carbs seem to be feeding fuel appropriately.

I can unplug wires 1&2, and the car still idles @<300rpm. Unplugging either 3 or 4 causes the engine to die.

Here's the weird part: I can almost get the idle correct by holding the plug wires on 1 & 2 about a quarter inch from the tops of the plugs. That is to say that the idle comes up momentarily, and waivers depending on if ignition gets through the plug in time.

I've replaced more plugs in the last year than I'd care to admit, and I broke my CSOB plug wrench or else I would have a report on those too. I can't see how they'd go bad though.

Ignition or fuel?

TIA for the help!

Paul
952.451.5205