Got everything back together and she fired right up. Sounds a lot better, no more valvetrain noise. Going to pop the valve covers off while it's idling sometime tomorrow to make sure everything is oiling the way it should. I'm just happy the intake isn't leaking for now. Definitely appreciate the solid diagnosis and extra information given in this thread. Some roller rocker arms and geometry work are definitely going to the top of the wishlist but right now I have some harnesses to mount and a k-member to replace. Might even have to buy an EFI kit if I can't get this carb to cooperate with autocrossing. Kept dying on me whenever I'd let off the throttle under hard cornering.
