Certainly agree with Jerry about the Carter. I replaced the Rochester on my '53 powerglide engine with a Carter YF 2100S carb, and got better power, smoother acceleration and MUCH better starting. And oh, I went from 14-15 mpg on the highway to 19-20 mpg. Now That's an upgrade.
Ignition wise, I have never had any problems with my stock setup.(coming up on 40 years) Change yours if you want to, but it is not necessary. The original engineering and construction was sound, and doing a tune up every now and then will keep you at one with your vehicle.
Since the vehicle is new to you, why not just drive it for a while and see how you (and others) like it? If it is in good repair, it IS pretty much bullet proof.
I get a lot more attention in my slightly ratty looking but mechanically excellent and mostly stock '51 burb at car shows that the guy next to me with the $20,000 paint job. Just sayin'.
Kurt
