Drivabilty vs. Performance help newbie

I'd say you have a tune up issue. The cam you have is not very radical and should be easy to make run and idle ok. I hate Edelbrock carbs and would try out a holley 650DP or a 3310. Getting the timing correct will be important as well. I'd start with 18-20 initial,35-37 total all in around 2500rpm. If you feel you must change the cam I'd call Tim @ Bullet and you'll want to be around [email protected] 110lsa for more bottom end power,the huge exhaust split of the cam you have is not helping anything,4-8 degrees is plenty and for what your doing a single will work great. I'd leave the converter and try 3.55 gears with the smaller cam and see if that work for you. If you still want a tighter converter have PTC build you a mild 2600rpm unit. Say no to any shelf TCI converters!!