LA 360 high idle

d100clubcab said

This is what it needed.
I put on a heavy leather glove, started it up then put my hand over the top of the carb trying to choke it off as much as possible.
This settled it down to "normal" levels
Nice smooth idle.

But, still has really high idle. I mean soon as she fires up she is at 3,000-4,000 RPM


now I wonder if I have leaks around my intake/heads???

Click to expand...

Have you checked the primary and secondary throttle plates to see if they are open at all?
If they are not it almost has to be a vacuum leak.

The right base gasket (seals with no gaps around the base)?
The carb is down all the way and straight on the intake?
You have to keep in mind that the only way a normal engine can rev up is with extra air getting into the cylinders somehow.
Even like the float bowls section not being tightened down on the throttle plate section. (not applicable to Edelbrock 1406) but seen it on others.

Can you kill the engine with the choke only?
If not, or it's hard to kill with the choke you have a vacuum leak.
From your answer about the hand over the carb choke making it run better it should still come off for an inspection and cleaning.