When you say hold do you mean just leave it plugged with no vacuum?

BTW the Central Plug/#71 wound up falling off. I see that it is merely a junction to whatever is hiding inside #69/Valve Mounting Plate.

I removed the line going to the #63 T, the one for the transmission. WOW!!!!! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! The transmission is completely different. Upshifts are where they should be and butter smooth (well, for an 80's transmission that is.) It no longer sounds like the entire drivetrain is going to rip itself out of the bottom of the car. The kickdown button is not working and downshift is still delayed so there is still some more troubleshooting to do.

Should the line to #65 (to #71) be plugged also? Or should I tied the #65 & #63 lines together?

Last of all what does #36a, the "Thermo-Vacuum Valve" do? It appears to be a water valve at a quick glance.

I do greatly appreciate the help.