You must be looking at New Webers for the cost to be that high... the nice part about webers is that the parts are available for rebuilding them.... thus you don't have to start with a new one to be in good shape...
I got a 32/36 for my Subaru for $200 already kitted... then spent 80 on an adapter and it ran so well I have not even tried tweaking it.. very fast.... 1800 1981 sube wagon.. pushrod engine...it came off an early 1970's mg or triumph... many cars have used the webers...
But you should do a seach to get some idea of all the problems these carbs sometimes present...

Here is the search to click on ....

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=317219&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

Someone may have already recommended a manual in those 54 threads....