OK, things went well this afternoon.
- I primed the engine with a drill (again), before installing the oil pump drive and distributor.
- The engine fired right up ! And oil pressure was 70 psi at 1700 rpm.
- After running a few minutes in the garage, I turned it off and checked for anything unusual. Looked fine.
- Started again and drove up and down the driveway 4 times to check the transmission in all gears, including reverse.
This was the first drive with my PG since I put the 1.80 straight cut planetary gears in it (was stock 1.76). All good.
- After letting it cool in the garage and doing more checks; I drove it up and down the driveway a couple more times for fun.

Good day all around. Sunny, 60 degrees; and the car moves!