Hello Brian -- reporting back.

Sorry for the response delay. Yesterday being Valentine's, I thought it best to spend quality time with my girlfriend.

So, this evening I quickly isolated the black box and plugged the tees with golf-tees (I'll clean it up later). Vacuum at idle (~700 rpm) increased slightly to 12.5" Hg. At 50-60 mph the vacuum is between 7.5" Hg and 8.0" Hg. If I gradually accelerate from a stop such that the vacuum stays 4" Hg or above, there is flaring at 2-3, but I can not say that it is any worse that before isolating the 3-2 valves. If I accelerate such that vacuum stays below 3.5" Hg, shifting is smooth through all gears. No problems downshifting on full throttle. Whatcha think?

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Larry in Mobile, AL
'83 300SD "Goldfinger" 145K Mi W126 E-617.95 T-722.3 15" Bundts