So here's the update: I just took apart the AEM fuel regulator and everything looks good (clean, no grime). The kit came with three interchangable orifices (.100, .150, and a .200). My intention was to check and confirm which orifice was currently installed and perhaps determine whether that was the possible bottleneck. Anyway, the largest port was already installed.

According to the install literature, the regulator was designed with a range of 20 psi min. to whatever aftermarket pumps can dish out, depending on which port is being used. However, my situation remains where I cannot get a lower static pressure of 36 psi to the desired 32 psi. Don't think it's my FMU, because theoretically, the static pressure was set with vacuum line disconnected from the AEM so therefore set independently from anything down the flow path(?). So the set screw on the AEM is now at its lowest setting (furthest counter-clockwise), right at the point where pressure will just start to build, but not backed up so much as to lose pressure as the diaphragm expands when I hit the gas pedal (losing pressure).

So what gives?

Adub