ok it runs but poorly??

I got a few questions. First what is the history behind this engine, is it a recent install or was the engine running fine and then started acting up. Check the timing with a timing light to make sure it is advancing as engine revs up, it should go an extra 20 degrees or so from your idle setting of 10 - 14 degrees. Is there a chance that the timing chain could have jumped a tooth or two or was the chain timed properly to begin with. By chance when you go to start it does it occasionally bark back through the carb.

Terry