Maybe I'm the only one but could you describe the symptoms a litle more. "Carbs cutting out back and forth..and backfiring." when does this occur at idle 1/4 1/2 3/4 WOT. Does it backfire and cut out or pop as you let off the throttle? Does it do it underload or just on the stand? Did you change the pilots?
The AI will be a metal tube next to your spark plugs, if it's still installed. But it doesn't make a performance difference.

Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers