how good is the gen 5 454

Its not a roller cam engine, they only made them for 3-4 years if my math is correct. Requires a fuel pump mounted on the seawater pump or electric pump.

i had one that had a oiling problem "starved the valvetrain" after 2 rebuild's found out gen 5's were known for this problem. multiple shop's thought they had a casting problem somewhere that you couldent see.

do you think a high pressure pump would help?

Im converting mine to a roller, not cheap but hopefully will be worth it in the end.

that might be something for me to think about

If your going to continue to run the fuel pump mounted on the seawater pump and your pump is good you can convert your 42 gph pump to a 130 gph by buying this and install the bottom half to your stock pump change your lines to 1/2 inch and you will be good.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/12-454-13/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/712-454-13/10002/-1

Now you tell me, where were you two years ago? Could've saved me some money and got a better pump.