The fuel filter is in fact on my carb, in the fuel inlet.
I am looking into purchasing an HEI distrib like you suggested.
I will also be doing a lot of checking for things this wkend, including the timing.
I also plan on changing out all the plugs, just in case one or some are fouled, and checking for vacuum leaks.

In case the chain did skip, what is the next step? Do I have to put on a new timing chain or can I just simply turn the distributor to find the correct timing?