The engine is actually a ford 308 ( 302 bored ). The problem is that when I put it into gear, whether hot or cold, it dies unless I have the rpm around 3000. I have checked the vacuum and it reads 15 psi at idle in park. I have tried a new carburetor, and that wasn't the problem. It has steady fuel pressure. The strange thing is that sometimes it will start up and go into gear just fine, but that is few and far between. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Sounds like a mixture problem. That could be due to carburetion issues, vacuum leaks, or just plain poor airflow from too much cam duration. I assume that it runs fine once it is in gear and moving, which all but precludes an ignition problem.

 

Thanks for the advice, I will look into it farther.