Hi, Mike,
If you can't get the engine to idle right, as you no doubt know, it may not be the carbs that are causing the problem. Could be a number of other things, including your timing.
I've read of many ways to set the timing -- static and dynamic -- etc., etc. The simplest method is the one Don Elliott suggests:
1. Get the timing and idle about right.
2. Test drive on a quiet, straight road.
3. While in 4th gear, step on the gas at about 1000 rpm. The engine will either "lug" along or it will accelerate with a pinking sound.
4. If it is pinking (pinging) pull off the road and set the vernier on the distributor to a bit more retarded.
5. If it is lugging, safely pull off the road and set the vernier on the distributor to a bit more advanced.
5. Return to the road and try again. Repeat this until the engine starts to pink (ping).
6. Pull off the road and set the vernier back a bit to retard.
There may be more to this than I have captured here, but it is a great way to get the timing about right.