I had the same carb on my 440 and it started faster than my fuel injected Challenger. Idled smooth. But I did have some stumbles while driving and a huge flat spot. They make a calibration kit (Part# 1489)
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/carbs_acc/access_calibrate.shtml. It has the parts you can mix and match to make the carb a little richer or leaner in the off-idle and WOT portions of operation. I spend about a day using the kit and following the instructions in the owners manual and my car ran fine. Not maximum performance but I had no problems driving around town or on the highway. Edelbrock isn't regarded highly by those seeking every last horsepower, but for a driver it's a great carb once set up for your car.
As far as the high idle and stalling when in gear, check for vacuum leaks. Get a can of carb cleaner and spray the base of the carb, shaft, hoses etc. if the car stumbles, there is your leak. Make sure the front big port is connected to your PCV, the rear big port (if you have one) is your vacuum for brakes. Not necessary if you have intake vacuum. the small port on the passenger side is for your vac advance distributor. The drivers side port should be plugged. hope this helps!