Shah,
First thing you can do is check your idle screw adjustments as recommended. Adjust them for highest vacuum level at needed RPM, then back out 1/8 turn to richen it up just a tad. (Recommended procedure in the books....!)
The stock FORD distributors generally run on "PORTED" vacuum, the upper connector on the primary metering block, as some have mentioned. There should be NO vacuum at this port at idle.
Some AFTERMARKET distributors may run a full "manifold" vacuum, the port on the carb base plate. Check your paperwork.......manufacturers recommendations.
Running a vacuum advance won't kill anything.....will help with off throttle emissions and low load running. Think cruising.......better efficiency.
The BEST thing that I found to reduce/eliminate the gas smell that used to envelope me as I pulled up to a stop light, was to install a Ford DuraSpark II ignition system!! It allowed me to lean out my carb a tad more. The "blue connector" control module also provides for a 10 degree spark retard upon cranking, so my 10.5:1 compression ratio didn't get in the way of easy cranking and good starts!!! Read up on this system.....many articles.
(In a Boss 302 Frankenmotor, I ran 34-36 degrees total timing, with a 10 degree mechanical advance, which left my initial timing at the harmonic balancer at 24-26 BTDC. Without the 10 degree retard at cranking, the engine was a bugger to convince to turn over. But with that 10 degree retard, it made the engine think that it had only 14-16 degrees of initial timing. MUCH better for starting!)
I have not yet run across any aftermarket ignitions that work as well as the DS II system in terms of having the 10 degree retard during cranking, or the ability to survive at 10 volts or lower in the event of a battery goin' bad!
Your mileage may vary!
Steve