Problem 1:
You need to attach a vacuum gauge and see what it tells you. It sounds like you have a vacuum leak, but having a gauge installed will answer many more questions.
Problem 2:
Holley sells 3 different universal solenoids for their carbs to help with your problem. I would contact them for a specific recomendation. Wire it into your A/C controls and it will activate when the A/C is engaged, raising your idle so that it won't stall the engine.
Take care,
-Chris
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