Thanks guys! Malky: No gas in ram air pan... all of it is outside pan (on carb and manifold). It is either working it's way between pan/gasket/carb, or leaking from the pan's drain holes. The carb itself is not leaking. The ram air pan is just a fancier snorkel base... serves the same purpose. Also, due to throttle position causing this problem, I planned on checking choke assembley. Shurkey: Agreed, seldom need full depression of pedal for choke... can't say I don't press it that far though without thinking. No heat riser... headers. Vapor lock/boiling has never been an issue over the years with this car and this exact same setup. Doesn't mean it couldn't be, but has not been. Plus exact scenario happens at cold start.. occasionally.
I also use heat resistant and steel braided racing fuel line from pump to carb.
necdb: I want to check that also... should be able to view linkage without removing pan... hopefully. Then won't have to disturb anything!
I am also super careful to never tighten aircleaner nut any more than is necessary to just hold everything in place.
Thanks again all!!