While Pat is the Big Block guy, it seems to me that if the motor was sold and the other dude lost stuff, you may or may not know were you are now. Might be best to get a good game plan and do some work, at least you need to replace that stock pressure pump it would seem.

Edelbrock carbs are very good carbs,. and for me they have always been not just a little better than Hollys but a lot better, easier to tune, better quality,need less to make them perform well, however your milage may vary. Usually they work great right out of the box. Youe carter pump is also good stuff I prefer them as well, but to get the pressure down why not ron a simple in line adjustable pressure regulator if pressure is indeed the problem.

Roland