forgot to mention DA around here is typically around 1000-2000 ft, the best I've ever seen is 500 feet. I did check in the middle of winter and saw -1000 ft, but it was -10 deg!
But an update from last night. Started the car in pits to warm it up, with the valve at 32%, and it was a big difference. Motor ran fine, but the exhaust was noticeably richer, would tear your eyes, before you couldn't really notice the exhaust fumes. Tried to warm the motor by closing the shut off valve 1/4 and leaving the water pump off with no success, couldn't get the needle off of 140, but you could feel the heads were warm to the touch. Made a run in high gear to avoid any driver shifting errors
Got to half track and had to lift as i was close to the center line, at the shut off was around 150 (forgot to check temp when staging).
For the second run i leaned it up one flat (30%), still tough to build heat in the pits, got the needle to budge of the 140 mark, but not much more (still closing the shut off valve 1/4 and no water pump). When i got to the line it was a maybe 145 deg. Made a more complete pass, easing into the throttle and approx 1/4 throttle the full quarter. had about 160 deg at the shut down area.
As far as the stumble goes, i am thinking its more my limp wristed driving style while i am trying to get comfortable with the car, combined with a cold engine. I have been easing on the throttle off the line. Doing a burn out, however, i stab it and it really didn't stumble at all yesterday.
So for my next steps, i am going to figure out what spring i have in the idle return, and work on building heat in the motor at idle (after I change the oil!) I can do that in the driveway without upsetting the neighbors too much i hope!
I can't thank you all enough for your help/advice. The amount of knowledge and experience here is amazing!
Tony