If you don't like the Zenith-Stromberg there is nothing anyone can say to sway you. Burlein makes an HIF44 kit to swap it out if you want.
Single carb manifolds are restrictive. Much better performance will be realized going to either FI or a dual carb setup (most prolific are the dual HS6 setup). If you live where it is fairly cold (below freezing) a majority of the year you may want the later two-outlet combo iron manifold for the pre-heating properties. Otherwise a two outlet exhaust and aluminum intake are the way to go.

Mike!