Funny I read this thread right before work and didn't have a chance to chime in. I get what he was asking in avoiding adding to reasons why car might not start by doing too many things at once. I think everyone offered good advice and alternatives. What I still don't get is why would you want to even try turning an engine over with the car jacked up in high gears? why not simply put it in neutral? That was his one train of thought I couldn't follow at all.
So if your still out there, maybe try this approach first then proceed with some of the above modifications sugested. Lube each cylinder with some fresh oil, after changining out the old oil and filter. Put a breaker bar or long wrench on the crank bolt( with car in neutral, and plugs removed, and rotate the engine 25-30 times like suggested. At this point you will have a sore arm! Add a little gas to carb, and have a friend standing by with some starter fluid, after reconnecting the plugs and wires. Try to get her to cough or turn over. If she starts briefly and stops, all is well. Now address the carb issue. You know the car can start, and you know the old carb leaked, so go ahead with whatever carb choice you have come up with that fits your setup. Edelbrocks will usually work right out of the box with their factory settings.. put on a new fuel filter before trying to start, because god knows whats going on in the fuel line and gas tank. If you think your rust free and the gas is relatively fresh, give her a start up. Otherwise consider draining the tank, and using fresh fuel. If she runs after this, then maybe just flush your radiator and engine out put in fresh coolant(probably want to replace the hoses too and the belts, 9 years is along time for rubber). Then just do your regular systems checks to make sure your brakes work, your engine charging system works and your battery is good. Give it a test drive in a relatively quiet open space encase brakes fail, etc... And you should be o.k. for a while until your ready to address any mods like the distributor or other issues that may arrise. I hope this is helpful?