Drivabilty vs. Performance help newbie

You didn't say what you have for an intake, but a dual plane like a Performer RPM would be more street friendly than a single plane like a Victor.

I agree that it sounds like a tuning issue. I like Edelbrock carbs and wouldn't put a DP Holley on anything I wanted to make more streetable. But to each his own.

I agree with the gearing. Try putting in 4.10's and an A518 OD transmission.