Just a couple ideas:
The jumpy vacuum may be the result of a tight valve, that is, the lash is set too tight and the valve may not be closing all the way. I'd check and re-adjust them. A tight valve could also be causing your misfire. As far as the electrical goes, you don't need an external regulator anymore with a one-wire alt. You should just have that single wire go to the "Gen" or "Alt" post on the ammeter (NOT voltmeter!!!) if you have one or right to the + post on the battery if you don't have an ammeter. Good luck!
