tired of messing with other issues, so decided to try and set up the timing, etc. today... disconnected the EST and while trying to establish base timing, it would hold steady at about 8* but then surge/search for a while, steady up, then surge again. so i left it set at 8*, when it would indicate 8. reconnected EST and tried to set IAC. supposedly had that right, but when i reconnected the IAC, car idles smoothly with no load. put it in gear (R or D), and it surges again... not too sure it'd be an ECM related issue if it's doing it with EST disconnected, but i'm sure someone knows more than me about it, so... roger up!

btw, this 5.7 TPI has an LT4 hotcam in it w/1.6'ers, so if this is just something i have to live with til i can get it tuned and/or chip burned, lemme know. just trying to get a smooth happy medium in it right now. also, i'll check plugs tomorrow, too. might have a rich condition and/or fuel press too high (new pump, haven't checked it yet)