1st gen stalling, difficult starting
 

Hi,

I'm having troubles with a fresh rebuilt 1st gen, getting it to idle and not stall, and then start again!
OK, fresh engine, mixed gas, modified nikki carb, streetport, header, manual choke: starts (albeit with some difficulty) when cold. Will run and even idle, but if it stalls, which it does, it will be very difficult to start or not start at all. Seems to be too rich, as the plugs are wet when this happens.
Tried switching to a stock carb, started easier, but would not run without the choke on part way, even once warmed up. restarted easily a few times as I was discovering the choke needed to be on. The last time it stalled, I was delayed a few minutes before trying to start it again. It wouldn't start, wouldn't even cough.
I have read that the curb idle needs to be high for the first few hours on a new engine - is this the only problem? Perhaps I need more patience...
Any helpful insights from the rotary gurus?

Thanks,

James