[Backtobasics]

I am going to jet the carb up tonight. Slant 6 pros seem to find that a 2-3 step up in jet flows enough to keep the carb out of the power valve, and gives better MPG. We adjusted air fuel to highest RPM and then adjusted idle screw down, it idles smooth as glass, and I can hardly hear it run.

The reason for the 8 3/4 is "tune ability" With the drop out center section, I can switch between the 3.23 and 3.55 center sections to see which give best overall results. The 7.25 is working, but whining, probably from old age. The 8 3/4 has the strength for the power adder down the road....

The cam is a concern, sounds like it might be past it prime. I don't really want to put a new cam in older motor, so I might put the cam into the new engine.

It had a fair amount of blow by without the PCV valve hooked up. With it hooked properly, there is no blowby coming out of the vent. It seems as if the PCV is actually doing it's job, creating positive crankcase ventilation, which should also help ring seal.
The oil loss is a leak for sure, I put a pan underneath, and it is leaking. I thought the leak was solved with the valve cover. I am suspecting the fuel pump, perhaps the gasket has failed.

In addition, this is an "enthusiast build" that wants to be efficient. I have a spare /6 that is getting a rebuild, ported head, windage tricks in oil pan to reduce drag, etc. This car will get the engine, a 4 speed OD trans, and 8 3/4 in a weekend swap. Once it is dialed in a bit, it is getting a Grand National turbo (231 CI vs 225 CI).

I will pull plugs tonight, and check out cap and rotor, that is a good idea.
THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT!