67 k10 with a 2SE carb need help!

[67mater]

I am ready to give up on this integrated head 250 and the varajet 2se carb in particular. It starts up fine, but will only idle on almost full choke. I have been inside it 3 times now cleaning, etc. float has been adjusted (raised) per spec. Fuel filter(s) are clean. I have good fuel pressure and volume.

Someone had already cut open the idle mixture screw. It was out 6 turns, I have it out 4 now. Before I changed the idle mixture screw it would run on almost half choke, now at 4 turns it only runs on 3/4 choke. Any less and it stalls. clearly that was out to compensate for what seems to be a large vacuum leak. I can back it out a few more turns but feel like a bandiad.

I have adjusted timing and searched all over for vacuum leaks. I have every vacuum port capped except the vacuum advance (20" of vacuum on that line) and the fuel bowl vent line. Could the EGR be stuck open or something? I have not pulled the valve cover to look for cracks.

It has 8 gallons of fresh gas on top of maybe 4 of questionable gas. It starts right and revs up fine on 3/4 choke, which makes me think fuel isn't the primary issue. It has had the electric choke removed and the manual cable rigged up, but don't see how that's an issue. Anybody with experience on these can help me!!!