I run 15/42 gearing and i always start in second gear, 14/41 would be nice (what you had), Porting will allow you to pull more teeth, i might go with 16/42 as i think ill pull it fine.. Sounds like what you had is a good start, sprockets are cheap so try a few, some recommend steel and some aluminum, ive run both but i never keep them long enough to notice a difference.. I see you live in Tucson, same here man - where you live??? I'm Up at the base of the tortolita mtns. Closest cross roads are Como/Moore.
Eric