I'm assuming you still have the stock E4ME Q-jet carb. You will want to acquire a Quadrajet that does not have the electrical connectors on the body of the carb, an M4ME. An electric choke (the last E in M4ME) will actually be preferable, so that will be one connector you will retain. It will be a bolt-in replacement as long as you retain the proper throttle linkage for the throttle valve (TV) cable to the transmission. You will also want to keep the connector for the AC fast-idle solenoid that keeps the engine from bogging when switching on the AC at idle (assuming yours still works).
Then you can begin to trace and eliminate all those pesky vacuum hoses (especially the hard plastic ones that are by now as brittle as uncooked spaghetti). Don't go crazy and start ripping out parts left and right. Make sure you know what you are removing. All the emissions equipment can be removed and retain drivability, but know what you are doing before you do it.
NOTE: I did not say you can remove the emissions equipment and be legal in all 50 states. You will have to determine for yourself what is permissible in your area. Here in my area, vehicles the age of my '85 Silverado do not require an emissions inspection. If your area does, you have fewer options. It is up to you to know. Good luck !