Quote:

---

I pulled the Holley pump and found one rubber chunk blocking about 1/3rd of the inlet and found 3 more rubber chunks inside the pump. I disassembled the pump and otherwise it's gorgeous inside. All the valves look good.

I am guessing maybe the three chunks I found inside the pump may have gotten stuck in the delivery valve maybe causing to hang open a tad and cavitate? Could this cause the symptoms I have been experiencing or is this a long shot?

---

You found it . I'd clean the debris from the Holley & reinstall it & see if your good. No need to make your new Carter pump a used pump by trying it when you can just as well clean the Holley & be good to go then either sit on the Carter or sell it as a new/unused pump & get a higher % of your money back than you would if it was used (by far).