Losing my mind trying to get this 360 to run right

gt I have to tell you that it sounds as if you've created your own problems. Since I'm a "flat tappet" guy, and have broken in a few cams, I ALWAYS do my very best to insure that an engine is "ready to run." That means learning to set the timing so that it RUNS. If you can't insure the entire fuel system is up to snuff, run fuel out of a safe container, siphon from above. Make CERTAIN you have a good working carb, even if you have to borrow or buy one.

1.....Very first order of business is to figure out what timing and ignition is doing..........What is your initial advance, how much total (mechanical) do you have, and leave the vacuum unhooked until you get this sorted.

2.....I you suspect, and it sounds as if you do, that the carb has a problem, then the solution is easy.......find a friend. try the carb on his car. Or borrow or buy a used/ good working carb.

3....Along the way, how do you KNOW, and I don't mean guessing and assuming, that the valve gear is in proper shape. "Usual" scenario is either a reground cam with reduced circle, and or milled heads/ block which adds up to improper valve clearance. Add in screwups by "Chivvy" machine shops who've not properly set up the valves and springs. There's numerous threads on here where guys have ended up with mis-matched parts problems with valve gear