As stated, I just replaced the carb with a remanned unit, as the old "B" kept leaking even after I put two kits in it, and swapped the throttle body. I didnt notice a slot in the old gasket when I removed it, but that doesnt mean it wasnt there. The new gasket that came with the remanned unit did have a slot(s), which prompted me to notice the vac openings. I havnt tried starting it with the new carb yet.
Fuel tank, sending unit, lines, fuel pump are all new and clean. I have two filters installed one right before the fuel pump, and one right before the carb. Both are clear and clean.
As I get time later this week, I'll break out the timing light and vac gauge, check adjustment on valves again, tune the new carb and see what happens with a fresh set of plugs.
Thinking the carb may have been the real culprit. Thanks for the help.
