Well..I finally was able to dig into it and the problem seemed to be a BIG boost leak. The coupler going into the hot side of the intercooler was leaking something terrible. The minute I started putting some air into the system with my homemade boost leak tester air started coming out. The clamps felt tight and nothing was loose...but I took it apart and put a new coupler on and tightened up the t-bolt clamps and now no leaks. It still seems to have a little it of the surge I was describing so I'll pull the plugs and see. But the boost gauge doesn't flutter any more

 

Well as it turned out it is none of the above. It is a slipping clutch Getting it replaced next week. This is the first car I've owned that had a clutch go...so I guess that is why it wasn't obvious to me at first. Or maybe it was denial....

 

^ that sucks man. Good luck getting it all sorted out.