You guys are not going to believe this (I can't believe it myself)
Finished work and was going to (test) the pump by pulling the rubber fuel line off the hard line going into the pump, and do the bottle test

Went into the garage...Figured what the hell and tried to start it
The [censored] thing fired right up!
Drove it around for awhile an it was still bucking under WOT
A buddy of mine who has been a mechanic for 30+ years stops by
Pulled the plugs...They were fine
Checked the choke...Functioning properly
Checked all electrical connections because it almost seemed ignition based
Everything was tight
Double checked the fuel filter and it was clean

BUT....My buddy looks at the fuel filter (and yes, it was properly installed)
It has a rubber "roll over plug" on the front...He rolled his eyes, pulled it off and
I reinstalled it...and guess what
The [censored] thing ran great!
Drove it for 10 miles...On and off the highway, WOT, bumper to bumper
Not even a hiccup

I am still shocked....My buddy told me the "roll over plug" was in case the car rolls over...It stops the flow of fuel to the carb...He has been peeling those off fuel filters since the 70's

I'm going to go buy a lottery ticket....
Thanks for all of your advice! Mucho appreciated!!