Dual EMPI 44HPMX Tuning, What am I doing wrong? Options

[UkonCornelious]

I have recently gotten everything needed to get my car back on the road after 15 years of sitting. I have a newly rebuilt, street cam 2056 with dual 44HPMX EMPIs and I am trying to get it running better.

The engine sounds pretty solid when operating between 3-5k, but below that (and at idle) it doesn't sound great. There are lots of exhaust pops and the engine seems to sputter a little while cruising at constant speed.

I understand that you typically set the idle speed and then turn each idle screw in until the engine slows/ starts to die. Then you turn it out slowly until the engine runs smooth again. The problem is that the driver side carb doesn't seem to react at all when I screw either of the idle screws in all the way, and then backed out to 5 full rotations (which is the limit supposedly according to the video I watched).

Do I have the wrong size idle jets?

Are 44s just too big for this motor?

Do I have an intake leak?

Is the timing off somehow? (I originally set the timing with a light at break in)

What do you think I should check or measure to get my carbs tuned properly?