Ive ran 5, 6 ,and 7 slide# cutaways and never had an issue with 35s or 38s or 40s. Yes pilots will vary with whatever # slide you have but doesnt mean one wont work, in my experience.
No stock porting will only rev to around 8k maybe and power drops off. A dune drag style port can get to 10k no problem and be safe. just some general numbers for you.
ive never had a issue with airstrykers. Just as easy as regular pwks for me. I got 42 165 on 38 AS, and its good. You need to figure out if your rich or lean. try pulling your choke and running it to figure out which way to go. It might not be the carbs.
simple fix, like said make sure your jetting is squared away. then see if that helps. if jetting is good or changes still dont help. you just need more arm or pump up the tires to 10lbs or launch in first.
I had a wiseco basket in a motor I bought once. It had that cheap backing plate/cushions set your talking about Cam. It finally let go and took some stuff out with it.