As Oneoffive observed, the sidewalk does get covered with a lot of different opinions. I respectively both agree and disagree with Chirodoc on some of his contributions to the debate.
I agree with the stated advantages of the Carter AFB and Edelbrock (a design copy of the Carter?) regarding metering rods and jets. How often you are going to be tuning your carb I think also becomes a relevant context for evaluating those advantages.
I understand that Holleys do have a good reputation for wide open throttle operation. However, I think they are more than a one trick pony (i.e., dragstrip application). I was warned by someone whose opinion I highly value to stay away from Carters and Edelbrocks if I am running autocross/solo events because they do not like to corner.
Also, today Holley has blue colored reusable gaskets that do not seem to dryout, at least in my admittedly limited experience. I for one have not had any problems with vacuum leaks developing.
I did once, but now do not, have problems with low speed operation. One reason Holleys may seem to be a bit unresponsive at low speeds has to do with the squirter nozzle size. Holleys from the factory typically have under-sized nozzles. Maybe for fuel economy, EPA reasons. The one in my carb was a 32. I was advised to go to a 35. I did and the throttle response has become unbelievably immediate. It is amazingly crisp. I love it.
I have no hood clearance problems with my Holley 1850 and Edelbrock F4B. Again, this was a factory option for our Tigers from the beginning and should not give clearance problems, at least with the factory air cleaner. I have also used an Edelbrock Performer manifold in the past. I believe it may sit a 1/2 inch lower than the F4B so indeed it does give a bit more clearance. I cannot say which is the better performing one. The Performer may be a bit more torque tuned and lower RPM ranged and fit your application better though. As for availability of the F4B, there are two up for auction on e-bay as we speak. They seem to surface somewhat regularly there. One needs to be cautious about errosion of the water passages in any used one however. Again, the factory option aspect may be of value to you, depending on how original you want to keep your car.
Anyway, lots of good opinions on the board here. All are well intended and I hope that collectively the opinions to date and any yet to come are helpful to you!
Cheers, Gene