The effects of OLD gasoline in a classic car

Is the electric choke hooked up? If yes, these need adjusted to increase or decrease the speed as to which they come off choke.

For either the Holley or the Demon, was the high idle in use?

Neither were. The Holley is a manual choke, the Demon originally was an electric choke but I removed and trashed the parts many years ago.
The Demon has an electric choke now but the fast idle setting is a mile off. I need to set that up.
THe main problem was the bad/old gasoline though. With fresh fuel, it started and ran normally. Once the choke and fast idle is properly adjusted, it should be tip top.
Thanks, Greg