I still like my Thermoquads, but....

Just keep it bone TQ stock and it should pass. If it doesnt, fail it twice and get it fixed on the states dime as a gross polluter. TQ's should pass if they are in good shape as well as a smogger 440. I put a NOS carb on my 82 mazda and it blew cleaner than my 96 EFI Breeze. I'd check your EGR valve on that 440, guaranteed bad. it should NOT be open at all at idle or at WOT. My mazdas was opening at idle and I was able to adjust it to stay closed (it had a threaded pintle, some don't. I cranked it down 2 turns) a little longer off idle and it completely cleared up a rough idle.

Today's fuel does suck. Its down on power (diluted with methanol) , down on life expectancy (more hygroscopic) and is still expected to be used in open systems such as lawnmowers and generators. It even attacks some older fuel system components as well as using a food source that could be used for famine relief. Our flex fuel E85 van gets 70% of the mileage it gets on 'regular' gas (E10 here in CA) and my lawnmower and weed wacker wont start after 3 weeks of sitting unless I scrape the white jello out of the jet. They should sell 100% dino gas like they do red diesel for off road/ small engine use only in bulk, not the $18/gallon you pay for it in quart bottles at Home Depot.