VERY productive night in the garage last evening. I got my primaries balanced nicely and timing set t0 (currently) 20 BTDC, and it seems real happy there. The VA port is plugged as well as the secondaries. No fuel, manifold inputs blocked with aluminum plates with gaskets top and bottom and the secondaries in place basically as placeholders for now. Took it for a drive and the surging issue (3rd gear, 30 MPH for example it would surge with high vacuum and not much load) is almost non-existent with timing where it is now and VA disconnected. I did have it set at about 22 BTDC and it seems to be OK there too but then with VA connected surging issue was more pronounced. I am also messing with limiting the VA total advance a bit but that will come later. Only real minor issue left is my idle is not consistent, I'll get 900 RPM one time pulling up to a stop sign and 1500 another. I believe the issue with that is the adjustment under the car at the trans pivot, total length may be too long, pushing gas pedal against it's "full closed" stop. I'll get under it tonight and make it about 3 turns shorter in length, that should get the gas pedal off it's stop.
Almost ready for Spring car shows and well, just driving for fun.