It seems that the deal with the TPS was an error of mine caused by an erroneous procedure in a Chilton manual. It describes TPS adjustment for an electronically controlled carburetor. It appears in items available on this website that the standard method of checking TPS voltage on the TPI L98 involves grounding the negative probe of the multimeter and touching terminal "B" with the hot test lead, which, on my setup, results in the correct voltage. My most daunting problem seems to be a code 34 which is set the first time the ignition switch is turned on after clearing the ECM memory. The engine does not even have to be run for the code to be stored. At no time during operation does the code go away, and the exhaust is exceedingly rich. I have timed the engine to 6 degrees BTDC with the ESC advance disconnected; I believe that the system has entered closed loop operation only once, when a code 45 was stored for obvious reasons. I have not driven the vehicle, but there seems to be good throttle response without load. There is carbon on the plugs and the exhaust is very smoky and acrid; I have also noticed excessive fuel consumption based on tank gauge readings. Swapping the MAF relays (reversing the roles of the MAF power and burn off relays) has no effect on the operation or trouble codes (no substitution of code 36 for code 34); I have also noticed no change in operation when the MAF is disconnected. I suppose thta my questions could be best summarized as follows:

1. Why would code 34 be stored before the engine is even run?
2. Would a faulty or inoperative MAF or its supporting circuits cause such excessive richness?
3. What would be the best method of tesing the MAF and relays?
4. Would a code 34 negate the storage of codes pertinent to other dysfunctional systems?
5. Is it possible to enter closed loop mode without the MAF?
6. What is the best method of checking for vacuum leaks?

Please help if you can, before all of my clothes are saturated with the smell of acrid exhaust and I become highly combustible. I will appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

BTW - my engine is an L98 from a 1987 Firebird GTA - stock ignition and cam with slightly increased compression due to decking/shaving (0.013" total, I think). I am running ECM 1227747 with PROM ACSU.