my slant buildup

Well got most of the bugs mentioned above fixed.
I put the original temp sending unit (from the original engine) in this engine and it now reads like it used to, before I swapped engines. No more "buried temp gauge" as soon as I hit the key from dead cold
More proof today's parts suck.

I redid the thermostat gasket, put another new one in and no more bubbles at the head/block seam

I replaced the lower hose, the new (older stock though) one has more of a crook in it away from the belt travel. So good there. The "old" one was not that old though.

I cut out the center divider in the phenolic spacer I have, between the carb and intake/ so now it's an open oval" and got vacuum for the PCV.

I got my timing light back from my kid and seems I hit right on 10* btc "by ear" which I think is a good starting spot til I can actually drive it to tweak it from there. Got lucky on that Guess.
New development thou, I discovered a puddle of ATF under it that wasn't there before I ran it, I'm guessing either the converter drained back and it came out the vent (don't think so as the bell housing area is dry, wet spot on trans concentrated on pan. Shift linkage seal or dipstick I ring probably. I checked the level (yeah hot and in neutral) and even with the "overflow" it's right in the middle of the "good" range.