1997 mechanical Cummins 8.3L Boost question

Should have read more carefully. What HP is your 8.3? It’s fairly easy to increase with a different fuel plate... I regrouped my own. I’d say 12 psi on level ground accelerating sounds normal to me. At the same rpm climbing a hill you should see a little higher psi... more HP needed. Mechanical pumps are going to puff a little black smoke when you get on it.
My electronic injection ISL will only puff a little when I’m above 6-7000’ if I do not ease into it from a stop for some reason. The rest of the time there is no smoke.