HUGE update - IT RUNS!! Sorry, no video - it fought me the whole way, but I got it started and running. The idle is a little higher than where I programmed it to be, and no matter what, it floods when attempting to start it. I'll have to tinker with the settings to see if I can adjust the initial pulse, but it runs. One problem I'm having, which I was curious about beforehand AND was eluded to on the second page by
@Bullitt347 is that when I mash the throttle it stumbles pretty hard. I think that the cut plenum divider isn't quite enough as it is now, so I think it either needs a spacer or a single plane intake swap. I don't think the Offy intake I have will work, so that would mean a new manifold. OR I could try a spacer and hope that that works, but if it does I'll definitely need a new hood scoop as the current setup won't allow anything taller than I already have. Initial thoughts are a Boss-9 scoop but I really don't like the looks of them on a II. I've also thought about running the current manifold to a shop and having them mill the divider down farther than I already have in hopes that that'll work but there's no guarantees on that. So, I guess I'm at another standstill until I figure out which path I want to take.
Choice #1: Carb spacer and Boss 429 scoop.
Cons: I think the scoop is too tall for the looks of the car and it's probably the most expensive option just making a quick Google search for new scoops.
Choice #2: Buy and try a single plane intake.
Cons: It's still gonna cost me a couple hundred dollars MINIMUM.
Choice #3: Take the existing manifold to a shop and have them mill the divider more than I already have.
Cons: don't really know what it'll cost but I can't imagine it being as expensive as the other 2 options.
What I'm going to do right now is run to Summit Racing in McDonough and pick up a couple 1/2" spacers. I figure that'll give me an idea of what works and what doesn't so I can HOPEFULLY make an informed decision.