IT RUNS!!!!!!!
Today I got the package with the pressure regulator and it was just slightly different diameter and height so I had to purchase a bigger o-ring (I used HNBR rubber as they are resistant to fuel/oil) from A/C o-ring kit at advanced auto parts and also put a small washer on the outside to keep it snugly in place. And it fired right up. The only thing is that the check engine light is still on, will try to reset it again.
Anyway, my final thoughts are:
1. always get a fuel pressure gauge before thinking the injector is bad.
2. Aftermarket parts from Quantum fuel systems work just fine in our pumps.
Also, I have gotten a 320kpa fuel pressure regulator instead of the 300kpa oem. I heard it will make it run better, but we'll see.