Problem with new fuel system

So my fuel system is like this.
Every thing new from the tank to the carb. New 3/8” pickup, 3/8” Holley filter before the pump, Airtex 9psi electric pump mounted below the level of the tank, new 3/8” hardline to the engine bay, then braided steel to the Holley regulator and to the carb.

Just finished my 5.9 swap and up till today I just had it running in the garage. Regulator adjusted to 5.5 psi

So today I have everything finished enough to take my first test drive. Short 10 min drive to the gas station and back. Popped the hood and noticed the gauge on the regulator reading less than one pound. So I adjusted it all the way up and still only reading about 3lbs.
Take it for another 15 minute drive, check it again and it’s barely reading anything on the gauge.
Car ran fine on the drive, no sign of it not getting gas, but I was taking it pretty easy, nothing past 1/4 throttle.

Any ideas what’s going on?