pertronix issues

is it at all possible that the electronic ignition improved vacuum just enough to introduce me to a carb problem i didn't know i had?

I doubt that.
But is possible to have a fuel filter plugging up, and it would probably be on my list of next thing to check.
Of course it's also possible that there is a problem with the Pertronics unit.
Maybe give them a call and let them know what it is doing.

Pertronics support
440 East Arrow Highway
San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: (909) 547-9058
Fax: (909) 599-6424