Funny Electrical

Good be anything really. Looks like you mixed some wiring up after replacing the engine. Check everything you have disconnected first. Wires broken, still disconnected, missing.... Take a special notice at the wiring around the alternator. Some of the symptoms look alternator/rectifier related. If this doesn't help maybe you can try a repairshop in you area specialized in car electrics. Good luck, Erik-Jan.

also if this helps anybody it is a california model with all the smog filters and valves and whatnot.

I would start by testing the alternator and battery. A depleted battery and a faulty alternator will have those weird symptoms you describe.

Your local AutoZone or auto-parts store can usually do the tests for you.

The alternator and battery were both replaced when I rebuilt this engine. So it can't be those unless I got bad ones of both which would be an odd coincidence.

But...is the wireing O.K. Sure looks like a problem there. Kind regards, Erik-Jan.

I would concur. Have you checked the output of the alternator to determine if it is charging? Should be over

I wouldn't assume anything works on a vehicle simply because it was recently replaced.

Edd

I concur it being something electrical.

I sounds to me like you're missing an earth connection - that's about the only common item that can result in this behaviour as your car's electrics try to find a low resistance return path ...