Well lets look at seats first. the 76 seat will fit BUT the hinges and locks are on opposite sides. So those would need to be flipped around and all the jazz. Also there may or may not be a gap between the tank and the seat, or it could rub. Take a measurement of your seat and see if you can get one of the 76.
As for the exhaust being hot, it is a 77, it is made to run lean. Moving up in main jets will get you nothing really. The mains really only effect the upper 75% throttle range much. Instead, check your plugs and see what color the insulator is. On my 78, I shoot for a LIGHT tan, anything more is too rich.
I know some people who have put in pod filters and did not have to rejet with these carbs so a 4-1 will certainly not need a rejet. If anything, you can either raise your needle in each carb by lowering the clip 1 space or turn the idle mix.
The idle mix screws are true fuel screws and give you a great amount of leverage in tuning. Remember though, out is RICHER and in is LEANER.
If the plugs are not completely white, you should be just fine. just move the cable away from the pipes.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!