I think I need to go to Carter BBD Skool !

Tooljunkie said
Seems like adding fuel is the answer. The factory settings went out the window when you dropped a 318 carb onto a mildly chooched up slanty. So, adding or removing fuel is one step. Raising the metering rods would be first. Typically factory set,but if they have been moved, then its a crapshoot. A reference point/mark so you can go back if needed. Its been 20 years since i had one apart.
Thick carb mounting gasket? I forgot one once, didnt run very well.
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HA! I found a vacuum leak under the carb after the first install. The return spring on the throttle shaft was riding on the generic gasket, raisin the carb just enough for a leak.

I think I can adjust the metering rods higher incrementally by keeping track of the gap at the top of the rod lifter (piston?). Don't know how much to open the gap per try. I think the factory spec was maybe .040".