i need help on where to start! (carb setup)

lash was set at .008 from what i was told by comp (yes they know my cam/lifter setup...they recommended it to me.) i was also told by keith black not to exceed 32* total with those pistons. im still learning and i trust real-world experience more than engineers though. just trying to figure it out, i will check for leaks and mess with the timing. it wanted to backfire on startup today so i pulled timing out, was that wrong? float levels look good, at least in the sight glass...primaries a little above half way. oh and no vacuum readings yet, im going to mess with it now and will report back later. thanks for the input so far!