Thanks to everyone, I have direction!
The 71 microbus w/1776 engine, Engle 100's and 009 distributor is being dropped off at VW Paradise in San Marcos, California tomorrow evening to have the problematic centermount Weber 40 yanked and a set of dual Kadrons installed.
I'll be getting the 3,000 mile tune-up, too, as this engine has those 3k miles on it.
Alas, the old air cleaner bracket will be coming out, so the results of my proposed "find a use for that shelf" derby will not directly benefit me.