Stupid Distributor Questions

Agreed, you should take care of the carb issue that you have and then look at upgrading your ignition.

Once your carb problem has been straightened out, time your car WITHOUT your vacuum line connected. If you still have a surge issue take care if it before you continue.

Get your timing light and your vacuum gauge out to make final tweaks to your car. If you don't have a vacuum gauge go buy one. As a base you will want to set your timing at 10 btdc, with your vacuum gauge connected, you will want to adjust your idle circuit of your carb to the highest vacuum setting that you can get.

As far as ignition upgrades are concerned I have used the MP conversation units and Pertronix's systems and both are good options. Being that your motor is stock you will probably not notice any difference going with either one. I like the Pertronix unit for some what of a stock look, as it doesn't have an external ECU like the MP unit and is very easy to install.

From there you can time your car to how you want it, either performance or economy.

Performance tip: plug your vacuum port and use a light weight spring to provide a mechanical advance of your distributor.