'79 304 Edelbrock carb problems vs Holley carbs?

My '79 CJ-5 304 seems to have fuel related problems. It is difficult to
start when the engine is cold; it turns over fine, but takes too long for the
engine to start. Once running, it emits gassy fumes out of the exhaust side-
pipes that make your clothes smell like gasoline while the top is off.

I had a carb specialist try to adjust the carb, but it didn't help. The carb
is an Edelbrock 4-barrel mounted on an Edelbrock hi-rise manifold. The motor
has a street cam and headers.

I was told that Edelbrock carbs do not work well with 304's, and to get a
Holley Avenger truck carb with an electric choke. Before I drop the cash on a
Holley, I would appreciate some advise to this problem.