64 Dart with 273 4-speed Carb

Long story but, that is how they had it running. So I set basic timing at 12 btdc and now need to check total at 2700
I just realized that it was running good for him years ago with no power to electric choke. I am fixing the Dart back for him and now the choke is working. Maybe that's the problem, before the choke staying on some corrected the very lean condition. Can't drive it right now with rain and maybe snow in PA