I have a 454 that has a "cough" at times when taking off. It has a pretty good cam, HEI distributor, and Edelbrock 800 Performer Series carb.
It doesn't help that it has a 3:08 gear as it's naturally a little sluggish moving off. However, it's great for highway and once moving runs ok.
Interestingly enough, a friend with a BB and a Holley carb with 3:08 gears has the same situation.
Could a stock fuel pump be the culprit ? Do I need something with more flow for street ?
The 800 should be ok ? Could I need a new distributor ?
Thanks.

Probably timing, carb adjustment, and/or plugs....that would be my guess.
Check these out real well before going to higher dollar parts replacements.
I have a 3.08 gear also with 454 and will melt the tires at will at a 20mph roll with no hesitation.

Your timing is probably set too low.
Do a search on timing.

I agree with timing. I had the same problem

How much vacuum are you pulling? What can is on the distributor? Have you read "Timing 101"? Do as all the above posts.