I have the 540 fired up using the same Dominator carb that was on the 499. the 499 was about 15-1 (or more), big heads and cam, 3.85 stroke. The 540 is 14-1, pretty big heads and cam (440-1 CNC Indy R2 cam), but with a 4.25 stroke. Same C-16 fuel.

The 540 won't idle where the 499 was set and I have had to crank in a bunch of idle stop. Why would a different engine not run the same carb? Is the signal strength difference with the stroker that much of an influence? Other factors? I have the timing at about 34* fixed.

With the open collectors it sounds pretty stout.