4000 rpm's at 60, no 3rd?

Thanks again for all the input. I'm gonna see if I can find that Eddy adapter online, I believe I remember seeing it once

Probably a dumb question, but since moving the rod like I did made it somewhat better, what's to stop me from making the groove in the rod a little deeper, allowing me to bolt it even further back and consequently make it shift even sooner?

Something actually tells me that the rod coming from the tranny to the carb isn't stock, and was actually fabricated. I know this is a big no-no, and is probably the cause of all this. Does this mean it's time to go lokar?