Engine requires 20 degrees of initial to idle well...

I agree with Crackedback and JD about the cam timing, this could be a accumulation of several issues at this point causing this result.

I tuned a Chivie years ago with a lg. hyd, 8.5 comp with poor heads....not my combo:) and had to put 20 degrees in it, but i pulled the total back to 40 to try and stay safe.

As i stated earlier a comp. test will also reveal poor cam timing to a certain extent.