ok update. i overooked on the edelbrock instructions where it says the adjustible stock rockers will hit the sping retainers. Well sure enough I could see where the stock 273 rockers hit the sping retainers.
I tried a differnt carb with no effect what so ever on the idle mixture screws. They do nothing at idle. I guess its possible the valves are being kept slight opened due to the rocker shafts impacting the spring retainers.
the engine struggles at idle to get to 5 hgs of vacuum.
Ill order some adjustable rockers and see how it goes.