Well, baffling as it may be, the circuit works perfectly after switching pins 2 and 3. Don't ask me why this would make it work. My only thought is the pull up resistor was causing some additional feedback to the LM and it was causing oscillation in the other configuration. Before I switched the pins, I could remove the Vsrc feed off the circuit and it would not do anything, like being dead. If I removed this on the bench test, the relay would trip. So my assumption was the actual signal coming into the circuit from the car was the culprit. I actually tried both circuit boards I had built. One with the diode and 1K removed, and both work the same. So all along it was the pins being reversed. Another possibility is the difference of reading either “0”v or 13.3v at Collector. Or triggered/non-triggered. Maybe having this voltage there in one way caused issues, but not the other.
As far as why I am applying 16v +/- to the fuel pump. It is “old” school, but by increasing voltage to the fuel pump, you increase it’s pressure. At a certain point when running full out, the car’s ability to supply adequate pressure drops off. This is dangerous and can cause serious engine damage. Most people just spend a few thousand and upgrade there fuel system with 2 fuel pumps and larger injectors. But in my situation, I am on the “line” of actually needing an upgraded fuel system. So this is a added safety net for the few times I hit this ceiling. The Kenne Bell BAP has been around for years and has being tired and tested to perform this way. Many data sheets showing how it increases the safety net. So for under $300, I have increased my safety net. I should also note that the whole other reason for this design is because this increased voltage (BAP) doesn’t even kick in until the car hits at lease 4000rpms. (the 4v signal) So the fuel pump only runs high for short durations.
Besides, being a EE from the 80's, what else am I going to do at night. I really enjoy tinkering with all this. Keeps me busy. Even if it all fails in the end, I enjoyed the effort, and getting back to something I had not done for a long time.