the hole in the spray bar MUST point straight down the venturi. Anything else and your in for more headache than you can imagine.
The only engines I buy these days are ST because of the value, the power and yes the ease and reliability of use.
Before putting another carb on there, and forever saying 'the only way to make it run...' make sure the spray bar is in there correctly. it must point straight down the throat of the carb. it sounds silly but it really is very sensitive in that area, but once you get it dialed in you'll love it.