If you're not using a vac advance with an HEI, initial timing is going to need between 12 and 18 btdc. An HEI, w/o grinding out the advance cams is only good for around 16-18 of mechanical advance. I'm not doubting your diagnosis, only making sure we're on the same page.

Yes, I'm speaking of the power enrichment rods. Like I said, a real easy check to make sure the spring selection (and vacuum) is correct.

6-7 psi is perfect for the carb. At idle, a starvation problem really wouldn't be an issue, so bowl filling is a non-issue.

I'm only harping on timing because the eddy is pretty foolproof, so the only other thing that comes to mind is that, since you had to re-set the dist.