I had this exact same issue.
1. Check to see all cylinders are getting spark by removing the lead and putting a spare plug in and try cranking
2. Your plugs by now are rooted. Swap them out
3. Dump your catch can and clean it out as well as then hoses for where it got flooded
4. Check your relays and fuses in engine bay. I tested each one by one for open and close relay etc. Check the fuel pump or injector relay also.
5. The cranking surge thing is electrical. You tapped into a wire in engine bay could be that. Try adding earths from engine to chassis.
6. If you Did have spark and swapped the plugs and able to start it. Add engine flush but do not rev. Dump the oil and change filter.
7. Carby clean the throttle body after you added new oil and filter. Rev it and spray it.
That should help.
But the starting and power loss is electrical.
I wasted 6 days in a row and went back to basics then solved my own problem.