carb problem?

Carb is making a popping noise when given a quick shot of gas...ie when it's floored. idles fine, and if you achieve high rpms gradually...will hit high rpms smoothly. Starts great as well, and never stalls. i have replaced the plugs, wires, and coil. Timing is fine too. Acts like a vacuum leak, but I can't find it anywhere. This car hasn't been driven in a couple of years, as it was being restored. (ran fine before)

340 solid roller
Edelbrock carb

Two part question, is it the carb? ie dirty perhaps, or stiff from under use? something else?
Secondly, will it harm anything to drive it with the carb popping like that?

thanks!