The EFI myth
"Back in the day" I DID figure out how to convert "some" carbs to a decent manual setup. The secret is to have a light spring so that the "manual" choke can still suck open a bit, and also have the fast idle work. I used to (sometimes) solder a little bracket to part of the linkage, and use TWO choke stops. I attached one choke stop to the carb link in such a way that the cable would slide through it. Use a screw and lock nut on the carb lever, carefully trim the screw length, and screw the stop on so the screw does not protrude. Then use a very light spring, not unlike a ball point pen, and put a stop out on the end of that. Hold the gas down some and set the choke. This closes the choke and sets the fast idle cam. Start 'er up. I used this in QJ and Holley QJ replacements