What fuel should I run in my 340?

Buy a timing light. This is one tool every old car owner should have. An inexpensive one is better than none at all, one with a dial is even better.

I hear the dial lights are more likely to be off, not all timing light will work with MSD hvc either.

You should have a spare edelbrock 600 carb, they got for around $100 on ebay. Holley's are cool carbs and make lots of power but those carter/edelbrock seem to idle better.