[Elwood]

Thanks again for the feedback. I didn't mention that I was able to get a fuel pressure gage on the car a couple weeks ago and pressures were well within the acceptable range at all RPM's, however I didn't try piping the gage into the cabin for a drive test. Also confirmed that the injector spray pattern was correct. Given the symptoms I think I'm still chasing something other than the fuel system. I also believe the display heads are probably functioning correctly since I was able to run and properly read all the diagnostics listed in the service manual and erratic displays only occur in conjunction with the erratic engine function. The time to onset and severity of this condition has increased with our increasing temperatures, and the dying upon hot start is routine now so my guess is that something is going to start setting error codes soon. The new "die on hot start" is odd to me also. The car starts easily but dies as soon as the key is released to the run position when hot. I can then immediately restart the car and it will run fine, accept for the stumble and surge. I noted in another thread a suggestion on testing for EGR tube blockage by manually stroking the EGR valve stem at idle and confirm that idle quality diminishes. Worked perfect. I could easily kill the engine with a small opening of the EGR.
The transmission functions perfectly with converter lock occuring properly for both throttle possition and speed. As noted, this surge condition is displayed at lower speeds in 3rd gear which should disable converter lock.