Fair points. I am reducing the gap this time around. Every piece will be removed from the block and cleaned well before placed back. As for the oil pump, it's an brand new OEM style pump. I still think excessive blow by was the main culprit here.
As for my tuner, I'm sure he's fully capable of messing with carbs, he just gets enough business with fuel injection he doesn't have to mess with carbs. It's not worth his time and I understand