To update all on how this ended up working out...

1. I determined that the engine was only ever going to use a maximum of 40% of the pump's output, so i went ahead and installed the Kinsler pill holder with a 0.104" pill. Immediately the car started idling better.
a) Note: It is important to install a shutoff valve for the bypass, otherwise the bowl won't get filled (Super Bowl has a 3psi check valve, and the Pill holder comes with a 2psi spring... pushing off at 750 rpm, the pump didn't create enough pressure to start filling the bowl. Had to install a valve, now i just open it after we push the car off and get it fired, works slick.

2. I tried messing around with different plugs. Initially was running NGK R5673-8 plugs, figured a hotter plug would help with combustion given that we run such low compression. Going to a -7 took all of my problems and made them worse. Going back to -8, everything ran a lot better. Counterintuitive, but the truth.

3. Plug gap made a big difference. With the above changes made, it was running about 80% better than before, but still stumbled if I got the rpms too low. Running a Vertex ext coil Mag by MagTech, I had the plugs gapped at 0.018" as per the recommendation of a local experienced Sprint engine builder, but after chatting with some other guys in the class it became apparent to me that most of em were running double the gap and getting better results. I went up to 0.036" and this immediately helped clean up the starts and firing.

Since we got the above figured out, I've been able to rattle off 4 wins in the last 6 weeks, so it's obviously running better. I figured I'd give you all an update as i appreciate the help in this forum and it's nice to get an update from the OP. Hopefully this can help someone else down the road!

Cheers,

Eric Guyot
#25 WRSS Sprint