Newbie in need of Carb Help....

Hi everyone I want to say thanks in advance for any advice you can give me with my current dilemma. I am new to this forum and really modding my car. I have had it for the past 7 years 5 of which it has been at my parents house while i've been stationed at various locations. I am about to get out and need to put a new carb&intake on a 71 dart swinger with a 318. It takes quite a bit to get the car to start (typically pouring a little gas in the carb) but once its on it runs perfect. Also after you have had it going for a while it while start just fine again. It's basically causing issue when its been sitting for hours. A few people told me its because I need a new carb. Makes since (to my small brain) since it has the original on it. I am wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages of an electronic choke over manual? Is this swap something someone with limited engine working experience can preform? I have found combo packs on both jeggs and summit. Summit is cheaper with more cfm carbs but no electric choke. Is there a huge advantage to this feature? This is a list of the things that my Dad has had done to it while i've been gone.

just over a year ago:
New head gaskets
new belts
new Batt
new altern
new volt reg
new siloniod
new plugs & wires
new distributor cap and points
Had it rewired to fit the shorting out problem
redressed the wiring at the firewall

Engine runs good always has its been other things that have been a pain chiefly the gauges not working and this recent problem I posted above. I looked around on the forum in the spare time I have had to try and find the answer but to no avail. Any help/advice is much appreciated!