Need some help on getting the right idle

[bluesfool]

I have a freshly rebuilt 383 that refuses to idle. It was running okay when I disassembled it, but now it will not idle. Everything is new except for the coil and distributor but I doubt that is the problem. Since I don't know the history of the carb that was on it, I decided to replace that too. The car fires right up, but just refuses to idle. I did manage to set the curb idle at about 2500 rpm and it ran like that, but anything lower and it will stall. The new carb is a Holley 4160. How should I initially set it up? What should I look for? Any other advice on why it won't idle other than the carb?

[Glen440]

I would first look for a massive vacuum leak.
I've only had a dual point distributer do that when I screwed it up trying to adjust it. If you forgot to hook up the pcv valve or the base gasket is leaking it would only run at high Rpm. Look for any unplugged vacuum ports on the carb. Check the firing order incase a couple wires got switched.
Thats all I can think of for now.

[mtrv8n]

Check your total timing too..if it's only 28 degrees or so, then you might have -10 at idle! If so, re-set your timing and try again. Retarded timing will make for easy starts, but poor idle. Usually you won't get good starting if you have a vacuum leak. Then again, maybe the power valve on the Holley is leaking. If it's not seated properly, a possibility in a new carb, then you get a very rich idle, and no way to adjust it.

Does it rev, and then go MWAAAAHH and die?
Its the timing...or some other ignition component.

[bluesfool]

The vacuum leak was it. I didn't have the PCV port plugged. I plugged it and now she idles at 900, revs like a champ, and sounds AWESOME!

Thanks guys!