I need to unhook the fuel line and try that again. could be clogged jet, bad needle and seat, leaking bowl or a dozen other things.
I think an LM7 5.3 would be a good fix.
I think I want to finish fixing up the CO car and sell it (seats, head liner, px fender swap, flares swap, and either swap tires or do a little more fender trimming), keep this one and drive it. or vice versa - but if major drivetrain work is happening it's going to be on the keeper.