360 does not seem to be making power and is slow in the 1/8. Need help and/or suggestions

I realise this is an old thread, and i havent read all the answers, but... if i put together a combo that should run easy sevens, and goes very low eights, id be disappointed. If it goes nines, i would look for something seriously, and obviously wrong. My first thought was, the limiter chip is bad, or something else seriously wrong with ignition. Fuel wont cause it to be dead at the starting line, unless you have none!
Second, did you degree the cam? A full tooth off will turn a decent motor into a dog.
The few posts i did read, some advised to tune what you have, and diagnose the problems, dont just throw parts at it. I agree. Until you diagnose WHY its so slow, parts wont fix diddly.