Ready to shoot my 273

with any engine go to the basic's first,the problem described by the original poster can be many things.....his year of 273 could have solid or hydraulic cam so check that first it will cause the same symptoms.....just sayin.....
Ditto on the fuel level. I looked at a buddies No-va and it would idle for about a minute and start to sputter and die. His Holley blue pump was regulated wide open! So that was about 12 psi to the little Edelbrock which likes maybe 5. Flooding out. Also check the vaccum advance plate with a mighty-vac or some vacuum source and see if its actually moving or hanging up on its slides, That grease turns to hard varnish after about 30 years.