Engine problem on carb'd SBC
 

Okay, I've decided (due to no interest in parts from others) to keep my Firebird. Re-installed the carburetor, charged up the battery, cranked the engine and got her to fire up! Then ...

It had a very rough idle. Smoked really bad on starting (white ... probably condensation) and then after it stopped smoking, I shut down, let her cool, and tried again. This time, it started good, ran "okay" (rough, but probably just needs a tune), but then when I tried revving the engine up, it would sputter and act like it was going to stall (go from 800rpm idle to 200rpms) and it took several times of pumping the throttle to get it to rev up at all. Even when it did, it still would still run real rough and sounded like it had dropped half the cylinders. Any ideas on what this could be? I double checked all my connections (elec/vac/fuel/oil/coolant/etc), looks good, but it's just not running right, not even close!

Before the carb rebuild, it would only try to stall out when you first hit the throttle, after that, it would rev up (rich cond.). Now, it just does it and keeps on doing it. Choke? Secondaries? Vacuum problem maybe? Any ideas? Maybe bad fuel?

My plan is to get new shocks/struts, repair the brakes, put a cat on her, and maybe run her on the street for a backup car (to my '09 HHR) and Sunday cruiser. But I need to fix this before it goes to my mechanic for the safety/emissions repairs (basically, if it's something major, no point trying to fix it, I'd sooner send the car to a junkyard after I get out of it what I can).

did you use new gaskets??

The old gaskets were just about cracked in half (carb's probably 10yrs old min., looks like it's never been touched since production), so yes, new gaskets all around. I am 100% all gaskets were the same as the previous ones. Also, I replaced the Power Valve (leaking like a siv and cracked), jets, and other misc. parts/pieces.

Found that the ground wire for the choke was corroded badly and not in good contact, also the + terminal wires are loose (need another washer to get a good, tight fit) so I'll be fixing that tomorrow if I have the time, so we'll see what all that does.

Also, fyi - all the plugs are new Copper plugs and copper wires (also new). Double checked (on photos) all the connections to make sure I didn't cross any (i.e. connect the #2 where I should've connected the #1, stupid stuff like that). Also changed them one at a time (to further prevent chances of crossing them ... done that before), so I think we can rule plugs/wires out of this.

Ever check the base timing and mechanical/vacuum advance? is the dizzy in good working order? no corrosion under the cap, mice ect?

No clue on mech/vac advance, or base timing. No timing light here, so I guess it'd make more sense to take it into my mech., let one of his techs use their equipment (someone who knows what they're doing) and make adjustments as needed (once again, someone who knows ...). Disty is in decent working order, did the old remove a plug, put it on the block, and crank the starter, see if she sparks. Threw a nice, big, pretty spark, so we're good. No mice, no corrosion, just needs some vacuuming of leaves and debris (something I'll do if he can get it to pass an inspection). With the plugs out, I cranked the engine, no water entering the cylinders, so we're good in terms of a head gasket.

What type of carb?

holley 650. elec choke, vac sec.