Carb issue?

Working on that as well. I have a buddy bringing over a holley 750DP to try, but will be a few days.

Good move. Try it. There's a reason race carbs are a Holley knock-off.
The Carter AFB/AVS are ok for stockish cams... you're beyond that now.
They can be made to work, as PRH said, but it's not for the faint of heart. (As in NHRA stock and super stock)