Re: 383 dyno success!
Whenever I do a high performance build for a road vehicle, I install a wide-band O2 sensor and a meter, so I can see EXACTLY what my AFR is.
Because that isn't an option in a boat (unless you run 2010 style exhaust manifolds and o2 sensors) I often wondered if there was some alternative. I wonder if anyone makes a sensor that you could install into you're float bowl that will tell you if your fuel drops bellow a certain level.
In you're situation, it sure would be nice to have some way to verify that the float bowl is full. A buzzer and alight on the dash would work perfectly.
Another idea:
They make adjustable fuel pressure switches: If you put a T on the fuel line going to you're carb, and plumbed in a switch, you could set it to switch on at 2 PSI or so. Then if you ran the wires from the switch to a relay, and ran the relay to a light and buzzer on the dash, you could have yourself a warning system that kicks in when you're fuel pressure drops bellow 2 PSI at the carb when the ignition is on.
Here's an example of the type of switch I was thinking of. You're local performance shop should carry these.
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=2980
That way, if you're at WOT, and your fuel pump, filter, anti-siphon valve or pickup tube starts acting up, and you drop fuel pressure, you will know right away, before you're bowl runs low and you start running lean.
With you're higher compression ratio, running really lean could lead to detonation and melting.