Seems like a severe intake leak. I tightened everything up and cranked up the timing and it will actually run right now on by maintaining some throttle. We'll get there.
Update: Re-reading my original post I realized I omitted the little detail that I've replaced the intake/exhaust gasket. I hadn't taken the time to read up on that little procedure before I did it, just figured those 3 rings would do their thing on their own. So I've re-done it, hopefully that gets it. The holes in the head are larger than the holes in the intake so hopefully that's not an issue (could be a '49 intake on a '57 head who knows).
Anyway, I'll update tomorrow if it works gotta get back to the paying job.
Last edited by NorthCoast3800; 08/24/2020 11:58 PM. Reason: Update
