motor not running right...

im really getting fed up with my new motor. i started a thread, but it got really long and nobody wanted to listen so i'll try a new one. after getting my new motor (see sig) i took it to the track and was VERY dissappointed with my 14.18 @ 98.32mph with a 2.17 60'. i ran 14.2 with my stock motor... anyway, i've made a checklist of possible problems:

1) bad MAF
2) bad TPS
3) bad TFI/ Distributor
4) wrong timing
5) wrong FP/ injector size
6) bad connections/ sensors
7) bad computer (A9L)
8) bad coil/ ignition (MSD 6AL)
im kind of at a loss here. the motor sounds really mean. it idles OK, but with the cam it surges....but it SOUNDS REALLY GOOD (and lumpy ). even though it's a hydraulic flat tappet motor, it's fairly quiet. there is a rough spot at about 1800rpm, and at about 4000rpm and above if you hold it there it pops a little, but nothing too serious . It just doesn't pull, and doesn't want to rev that fast at all. i know it's getting enouh fuel- plugs are OK now, but it's not running nearly as good as it should be. does anyone have any ideas or anything to add?

do you guys think maybe something like this would make things easier?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7967362871&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

anyone?

thanks! i'll check the vlave tightness.... i think i'll replace things one at a time with the ones on my friend's car until i (hopefully) find the problem.