I just tried some Autolite plugs that are in the same heat range as a Champion 9 because I have them sitting around. ....same result.

I bumped up the primary to 82 and secondary jets to 88. .... same result (and too dark out to tell if I was leaving a cloud of black smoke behind me).

I've never checked the cranking pressure. The cam was installed straight up and verified that it is straight up.

I've never checked the fuel pressure either. I don't have a port and I don't have a fuel pressure gauge that reads this low (mine is for fuel injected stuff). The fuel pump is a new Carter replacement style pump.

I do need to get a bigger squirter but that'll have to wait for the weekend.