1st order of business would be to add (temporarily if need be)(with an isolator of course
) a 0-15 fuel psi gauge on the dash and see if you have several psi at the end of the street
. A return line keeps the fuel to the carb cooler since it is getting more cooler fuel from the tank instead of just the stagnant fuel present in the line and is an excellent plan w an electric pump to keep it from deadheading but in your case to K.I.S.S. keep the lines away from the ex and/or some insulation and you'll be fine.
