so here's what i ended up doing...
reading the actual mercedes tech manual for the VCV test:
http://www.peterschmid.com/
1.) adjusted the throttle linkage that goes to the VCV to 11.8cm
2.) turn on engine. linkage still not attached. saw reasonable vac readings T'ed into the trans line. 15mmHg at idle, smoothly diminishing to zero at full throttle...just like you read about. woohoo!
3.) from peterschmid mercedes tech manual - made my own 10mm radius disc from cardboard and put it on the upper VCV stop.
4.) moved VCV lever up to edge of disc, noted 7 mmHg. Mercedes spec calls for 4.3mmHg at this point.
5.) adjusted VCV by popping dome off and turning the shaft slightly with 8mm ignition wrench until I got 4.3mmHg with the lever at the 10mm cardboard calibration point.
Now i have 10mmHg at idle.
6.) replaced dome on VCV. reattached throttle linkage...not trivial...
7.) adjusted bowden shift cable per sun valley mercedes instructions.
The vacuum system, to the best of my knowledge is now working and delivering the right signals to my modulator.
But...my MB still shifts consistently hard on all gears and shifts. The hardness of the shift also doesn;t seem to change based on throttle position. Not that much different than before. Doh. I adjusted the bowden cable about one turn or so to make shifts earlier, around 2200 rpm or thereabouts.
Next I will turn my attention next to the modulator 'T' to soften the shifts...unless there is something that I am potentially missing or additional diagnostics I can run?
Also - when I shift into R and D, the car lurches back and forward respectively, like its snapping to attention. Is this normal for these cars? Someone told me it is...just want to confirm.