I have finally obtained good- almost great- idle characteristics today. But I am confused about a couple of things-duh. It is a late 77 california carb on an 86 2F motor. I have no leaks determined by an 8 round Oklahoma rebuild at around 1800 rpm (slowed and died every time). I have the three vacuum ports for the egr, throttle positioner, and vacuum retard plugged for testing purposes. at first I had the power valve hooked to manifold vacuum, as well as the TP diaphram, and my vacuum gauge. I had good idle, but only about 11 inches and steady on the gauge. When I unplugged the PV and capped its vacuum(from the manifold), I was able to get 17 inches of vacuum at 650 ish revs, somewhere about 7*btdc and smoooooth tail pipe noise. Reved up great, real quiet(quietest EVER in this pig I think). I am 1 turn out(surprised me a bit) from closed on the idle mix screw by means of lean drop method. I very much want to keep it this way as it sounds (and feels) the best I have ever heard it run, But I am curious as to why this worked out in this fashion. Do I need to suspect the idle solenoid or idle ports in the carb? What am I missing? Thanks in advance.