Switched from Scumacher try-Ys to Pro Parts step headers.

You changed the main body on the carb, so how much more air and fuel are you getting compared to the Holley? That will make a difference right there. It just like changing to bigger jets and installing a larger venturi diameter. Your motor may have needed the different fuel and air ratio with the cnc ported heads. I can not see anywhere close to an 80% gain. I run a .030 over 440 with 10.5 compression with an Edelbrock RPM cam and heads, with a Quick fuel 850 with Schumacher headers and still run 11.50s@117mph. Your test should have been done before you changed anything.

This is true. There's no way you can attribute a percentage gain to the headers alone when both the headers and the carb body were changed. It's just a guess.