We love or self-learning Holley EFI system. Prior to this self-learn technology we'd always fly-in a tuning expert to get results. On a private jet. And put him up at the Ritz Carton.

And call in the escort service.

Good tuners were and are still in high demand, but for relatively mild engines, self learn EFI has it's place.
As Greg stated, decent vacuum, is important for good results. We fired up our Holley EFI on a fresh engine with only moderate vacuum. Moderate vacuum means a little more manual tuning is required. Ring seal is important as well. After a while, the self learn mode will start to second guess itself, so turn it off and let the standard closed loop function do it's thing.
DIS is not required. Taking that point further, you can get your self-learning EFI up and running with just a standard ignition, then add DIS down the line. Greater spark resolution IS beneficial for getting the most from your engine. A standalone Electromotive XDI kit is the hot ticket there. Good people.
http://www.electromotive-inc.com/products/xdi.php