what is the idle rpm when it is in gear? can get like that if the idle is too low

been mucking around with dattogals auto coupe a fair bit ( that was auto and air con - tuff work on the little a12)

needs to idle around 800rpm in drive which is 1000rpm in park/neutral

if it gasps everytime you hit the throttle, but ok 1 second later that usually indicates the accelerator pump on the carby is in need of rebuild

lol, manual swap wont fix problems but will mask them as it will be heaps quicker and less load on motor

check your points gap in the dizzy, can often be an issue causing flat spots and things too

also stick your head under passenger side of car and see if you notice any putt putt putt noises, an exhuast leak mucks around with it a fair bit, especially at idle and just off