Stevo
I read with interes your comments, but i am unclear on one point.
You say that you threw out "those" [plural] stupid "Hitachi" [singular] "carby" [singular] that they came out with standard.
I do not know if you are refering to the single, staged, 2bbl carb on stock grocery getters, or the twin Hitachi "Variable Venturi" types that were standard on GX's

I can not understand why you refer to either of them as "stupid" as both of these instalations were designed to perform a very specific function, & both of them did so very well. In stock trim, the 2bbl delivered easy starting, smooth running, good fuel economy, reliable service & long life on a car that used ECONOMY of purchase & operation as it's strongest selling point.

The primary throat provided high gas velocity at lower engine speeds, which allowed for a stable mixture & good throttle response. As engine speed & throttle position dictated, the second throat cut in allowing greater airflow & allowing a spirrited performance that would not have been available from a single throat carb design.

The twin Hitachi side draught setup on GX's did the same sort of thing thing & delivered a sportier performance as well.
These were VERY well suited to the application FOR WHICH THEY WERE DESIGNED. It's not the carb[s] that are st****

I am surprised that, as you write, your extractors came off an early Corolla, as i did not know that the exhaust ports & bolt pattern were the same. I live & learn.

You have discovered, as i & many others have, that you don't need a big spend, or radical mods to get a strong, good running engine. A single carb does not sound as sexy as twin Webbers when you say it out loud, but if correctly tuned, may well outperform an engine with poorly tuned twins. Particularly on the street.
Chris