Have you tried readjusting your valve lash?If its too tight , I think it makes the engine harder to turn over at startup.
Another suggestion , have you tried going with a high torque starter?I'm going brand new with my starter on my swap , and am debating with a standard one , or spend the extra 60 and get a smaller , high torque starter.I have to make up my mind by thursday when I go get the rest of my parts for putting the engine back together fully <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 with mods.Hughes Air gap intake , 52MM TB , ford injectors, 2 3/4" lift, Doug Thorley headers , HID headlights with LED , HID fog lights , glow gauges , a few others