"Carbs are so inefficient, and now that summer is here, I can look forward to all the fuel percolation and hot start issues as last year only now WITH a wooden spacer in place, AND an insulated fuel line".

I live in Md, we have 90+ days all summer. I have never had any of these problems. If you carb is rich it means it isn't adjusted right. I ran a 750DP on a mild 340 and had no problems or the raw gas smell. It's all in how you set it up. And like mentioned above, timing has a lot to do with as does cam specs. I found the 340 ran best w/ 28 squirters, 6.5 PV, 74-80 jets and I can't remember how many turns in or out. I just adjusted until I had the best vacuum reading, then set the timing and re-adjusted for best vacuum. Make sure your secondary flaps are shut...alll the way.