Tom
No problem. Whenever you tackle something like this I think you already know, start from the cheapest solution towards the most expensive.
The vacuum issue can be coming from the Holley as well, how old is it, when was the last time it was rebuilt, etc? Probably a moot question since you probably bought it with the carb. If that is the case, has the car always popped? Did it do that when you bought it?
B
p.s. You know one of these comes to mind as you can hook it up and see everything in action (plugs firing, timing, curves, etc)