98 nissan sentra GXE 1.6L fuel pump or regulator?

hi to all, I have a fuel issue and I am on a very tight budget so im trying to fix this myself problems
1.hard to start
2.idles fine when started
3.can drive slow but when giving more gas it stutters
what I did thus far
4.change fuel filter
5.tried fuel pressure test on line(from autozone tool loan program and was A piece of crap leaky valve connection but managed to get a reading 34PSI)
6.verified pump is on and working
7.disconnected air intake on regulator no gas coming out also when pressure tester was on i crimped the return hose and the pressue rose to about 40PSI
almost certain its the fuel pump or fuel regulator still stuck on what to buy as I can only afford one right now.
anyone have any tips as which it could be ?thanks to all for any help

should be about 80 psi