Originally posted by dr_bowtie
I do see a couple of things not mentioned...I will add...

When mocking up the engine it is epecially important to check "ring end gap" more so with a hyperutectic because the ring gets all the heat with these....

with a heavy vehicle or higher rpm range I would use a .025 top ring end gap and a .020 second ring end gap.... hpoefully you checked this..... A to tight ring gap can cause a slow hard start when hot ( like a dead battery or too much ignition timing)...ring gap is closed and binding...

Also when upgrading a fuel injection engine ALWAYS call JETCHIP to make sure you are going to be in the perameters of the fuel/spark map....if not you will use too much fuel...In your case being too lean....(you can tweek the map sensor for this)
The TBI injectors can be had new for 80.00 ea at Auto Zone or you can clean the ones you have....T
i need to know how you "tweek the map sensor" dr_bowtie?