Unsure which new Carb to pick

I like the idea of a staged carburetor on a small cube engine. In other words, one that has a primary barrel(s) and a secondary barrel(s) and opens them progressively.

If sticking with a two barrel, a Weber would be a good choice. For a four barrel, a small Edelbrock AVS would be good.

Either way, upgrades to the intake and exhaust will be necessary to take advantage of any improvement.

A good, high flowing intake manifold and a good free flowing header and larger than stock exhaust will be mandatory.

Otherwise, you're pissin in a fan.

Fair enough...why ARE staged 2v's so rare? I mean, surely it'd give better mileage, and manufacturers are not required to make the primary smaller...is it just cheaper that way?

As for exhaust upgrade; would a good one mean modifying the pipe as well, or would a good manifold be able to bolt to existing one? What could one use to heat a non-stock intake?