I think I flooded it trying to start it and then either bent a rod or valve.

Has this happened with other motors before? Could the starter even crank hard enough?
This is a dire circumstance. If a flooded motor means bent rods then we're all screwed.

It was losing fuel pressure immediately after starting, i'm told, causing these issues.

Running too lean, you mean?
While on the topic, anyone else have a much harder time cranking on hot starts?

Hot or cold starts makes no difference with mine starts easy as .

Must be my battery...

Just an update, put in a K&N air filter and the problem still exists. But it did seem to improve overall performance a little bit, but could be placebo! Think I may change out the fuel filter next.

What's the smallest pulley you guys have run without intercooler? Thinking about upgrading while I save for IC and monitoring knock

I just bought a Sprintex, with intercooler.
I was curious what do i need to get started?

oil catch can?
injectors?
oil cooler?

Catch can on rear crankcase vent is not a bad thing but I don't have one as yet.

Stock injectors and pump are fine for pump gas.

Oil cooler with thermostat is very worthwhile imo .

Brand recommendations?

I run a mishimoto oil cooler with thermostat, works incredibly well in Queenslands hot 35 degree C Summers. If it's cooler where you're at maybe something with a smaller radiator would help.

My install is on the 26th and I'm trying to remember something I read in this thread about when adding boost to our cars, clamps need to be added to specific hoses that will eventually come loose and disconnect causing loss of power as there are no clamps from factory, due to not being boosted initially. Does anyone know what this would be specifically that I can tell my mechanic?

This is an issue on turbo cars. Particularly the evap solenoid line under the intake manifold.. The sprintex manifold replaces your OEM intake manifold, and relocates the problematic lines, thus eliminating that problem.

In other words, no, don't worry about it.