New Engine, Hard starting, Likes Lots of Advance

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.

I think, based on what I'm hearing and also reading elsewhere, that the cam timing is not a problem. Many people believe that advancing the cam 4 degrees is a good idea if the goal is good low end torque. I think I will leave that alone for now and concentrate on other things. I may change it if I have problems with detonation, or if I'm not happy with the way it runs once dialed in.

I was under the mistaken impression that when people say things like "38 degrees all-in" they meant 38 degrees with both centrifugal AND vacuum advance. But if that term only includes the centrifugal advance then maybe I'm not so far out of the ball park.

I took the carb off and brought it home with me. I'm thinking I will open it up and have a look inside. I gave it a thorough rebuild 3 years ago and it was running good when I put it on the shelf 2 1/2 years ago. I tried to get the fuel out of it before I shelved it, but who knows. I think it's worth a look. Hopefully I don't destroy the gaskets.

As far as vacuum leaks, I did notice that the PCV hose fits kind of loose on the carb. I also don't know for sure if the PCV valve is good. So I think I will remove that and plug it. Ditto the source for the HVAC controls.

Then I will try harder to get it to idle and set the initial timing with vacuum advance disconnected and plugged.