OK, now I have heard everything!!! I like to brag that there is nothing from the digital age in my car (a slight exaggeration since I have an MSD ignition) but now to go with wood, that takes it to a new level . Maybe it comes with a 5lb halon extinguisher ?
The holley carb heat shield I ordered comes with a phenolic spacer I believe. I did reroute the fuel lines and insulate them. Need to wrap up the fuel filter, I noticed it collects a lot of manifold heat even though it does not make physical contact. A mechanical fuel pump still presents a point of contact for fuel with the motor, but I love the absence of whining versus the electric. I agree that the biggest problem is carb to manifold.
I think the edelbrick does suffer from the heat, as it has always run doggy when the car is hot. However, it does still run. I think my problem with the Holley may be jet related. Keith suggested to me that I change the jetting. Think about it. He sets up the carb (rightly so) to produce maximum horsepower in a somewhat controlled environment of the engine dyno room. Then you get to the engine compartment of my dopey car: stock header flange mated to AFR large exhaust ports, hot fuel, etc, etc. It makes total sense that I would have to jet down, since I am probably pumping 10% (or more) less air than he was able to achieve. That will always be the case until I get new headers with two inch pipes, which may be never.
Joe Lapine from Danbury Competition Engines kindly gave me the name of a fellow named Jeff who I am going to have tune the carb for my car. Lets see, he has a chassis dyno, air fuel meters, a big selection of jets, he knows what he's doing as opposed to me, who has a driveway and a screwdriver. Advantage Jeff.