Been searching the forum for ideas on my current problem.  Final stages of complete restorations of my 73 Z.  My latest issue is it running rich.  I have replaced the 73 carbs with 72 round tops that I completely rebuilt.  The car runs fines at all rpms and speeds (actual driving it).  It smells rich and does some popping thru the exhaust. I should also mention I have headers on the car.  The carbs have new .100 nozzles from z therapy and N54 needles.  In an attempt to lean it out I've tried incrementally adjusting the Idle nuts 1/2 turn clockwise (did it 2 times 1/4 turn at a time).  According to the 72 FSM says turning the idle adjustment nut clockwise reduces fuel and turning it counterclockwise increases fuel delivery.  I assume if I'm reducing fuel, I'm leaning it out. However, when I went for 1/4 turn cw to 1/2 turn, it seemed to get richer.  Is the FSM correct?  I know I've found other errors in the FSM before. When I originally rebuilt the carbs I set the nozzle depth at 2.2mm as recommended by the FSM. How else can I lean it out?  Am I on the right track?  Like I said it's running well except for the rich smell and popping thru the exhaust.

Clockwise and counterclockwise adjustments are made imagining you're viewing the bottom of the carb. Try reversing the adjustment directions.

Yes, the threading is standard righty tighty but looking from the bottom. So from above, everything is backards.

If you can't adjust it out with the mixture nuts then it's a float level issue