Best Fuel Pump Advice for Newb...

I wished! :D Stir that pot Mr. Fife! :D

I'm only hitting 97 mph after about 14 - 15 seconds (depending on how much I spin on the line).

Not to dump another opinion on you, but you mentioned taking time to get fuel to the carb.
This video is after installing a Carter electric rotary vane pump back at the tank.
Dead headed (no return) fuel systems are hard on pumps due to heat buildup from the pump working against fuel that isn't moving when say sitting at stoplights idling.
In a return system the pump has cooler fuel running through it all the time, so this minimizes the heat buildup in the pump.

I ran new 3/8 nylon 12 (EFI line) up to the carb and T off right at the carb for the return line and back to the tank.
Used a gauge on the feed line to watch the pressure as I tried different restrictor orifice's in the return line.
Once I had the right size restriction in the return line I had 6psi at the carb inlet with the pump running.
No regulator to mess with or mount and plumb.
I drilled my factory style sending unit and added a return fitting, and the OE vent line was untouched.

Circulating cooler fuel eliminates vapor lock and fuel boiling in the lines in hot weather, plus you end up with cold starts after sitting like this.

www.classichei.com/dart/morningfire.avi