I rebuilt my 1984 quadrajet with one of Cliffs kits. It is completely stock and I did not mess with APT. Its on a Goodwrench 350 with stock everything in a 1984 Cjevy C10 short bed 2wd. 700R4 transmission, and 3.08 gears with 255/60/15 tires.
Motor has stock intake, cam, I replaced the ESC HEI with a regular HEI with adjustable vacuum advance. Shorty headers and 2 1/2 dual exhaust with no cats.
12 degrees advanced timing at idle and 10-12 degrees more with vacuum advance connected to full manifold vacuum.
Motor runs fine with good vacuum around 17." So far it gets about 8-9 MPG in the city. Pretty sure the Goodwrench is low compression and is rated at 260hp.
Would jetting dow help? The jets were not stamped, but I assume 73.
The truck was originally equipped with a 305 and this carb came off of that motor.
Would a lower rear gear help, such as a 3.42? The truck is driven mostly in town.