getting a carb and intake..question

Should work fine on a 318. The 1850 is a pretty simple carb, and a good intro into Holley carbs. It has vacuum secondaries and should have a 6.5 power valve stock. Be careful with the fuel crossover tube, those can leak.

Holley carbs aren't a pain to keep running right any more than any other carb. The power valves can blow if you backfire through the carb, and they tend to leak more than an AFB. But an 1850 is simple and reliable. Remember over 99% of "carb" problems are the ignition system.

As for manuals, try to score the Holley Carbs book by SA designs. Amazon should have it if it is still in print, Powells may if it isn't.