does this sound right? how hard is it to tune an engine?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80vbwXZwKhQ

 

Is that engine hot or cold? Does the choke work?

Not a fan of Holleys. Your idle isn't working, of course, sometimes the bowl gaskets shift and no idle results.

 

doesnt sound right to me...sounds rough.

 

Could be many things..Cold engine with no choke(althought it appears that it is on?),vacuum leak,idle mixture needs to be richened up,ignition timing off....Also check the plug wires to make sure you have them in the correct order and that they are all on tight and making connection..

 

agree.
get engine hot before fine tuning.
tune idle to produce off white plugs.
verify good engine to frame ground.
can hot wire coil to remove variables.
adjust all in total timing to match build; 32-36 is common.
can run full time or ported vac to distributor; depending on goal.
can pop condenser plate to verify centrifugal stops function and spec.
can recurve distibutor if feeling saucy.