Odd Problem

Ok, I replaced the intake gaskets to no avail, other than to stop an annoying oil leak. So far, I have replaced, but mainly swapped in the following:

1) Distributor
2) Coil
3) checked wiring
4) ECU
5) Ballast resistor
6) distributor cap
7) swapped on a spare Edelbrock carb, which is the same as the one previously on it.
8) intake gaskets
9) checked distributor timing and gear position
10) all valvetrain looks in check and the lobes on the XE268 look great
11) swapped spare alternator, which actually works better
12) voltage reg
13) checked all of the grounds
14) fuel pump and filter (filter above pump)


The voltage is now a steady 13.5 at all speeds and gear selection. Fuel
pressure is 7.5 lbs. I am starting to suspect a slit in one of the fuel lines or possibly a partially clogged in tank filter sock. The plugs are all dry, so ignition is present, but I am wondering that even though pressure shows high if alot of that is just air? The idle speed can be whatever I sell it at on the carb in neutral, but gradually comes down some. No matter the idle setting, the idle in drive is 500-550 tops and is rough. accelerating from a stop results in a significant hesitation until above 1000 rpm and rolling, then it is a bit better. Oddly, there is no misfiring during hesitation. It cruises fine at speed, but when I floor it from a 5mph roll, it pulls more sluggish than normal and there is a distinct surge or two between four and five thousand rpms.

Being that there is no miss at speed, but the hesitation and surge at high engine speed, I am down to either clogged fuel tank pickup, or possibly the torque converter is playing in? The TC is above 4000 miles old.

Ideas?