I just fixed the problem. Seems it was related to the R&R of the trans afterall, in a way. When I installed the electronic ignition last year I had to spice a new wire into the feed side of the ballast resistor. Apparently I did not have a great connection between the spliced wires and when I was fishing for the neutral start switch wires to reconnect them to the trans I must have snagged the ballast feed wire in the process, pulling the original feed end loose from the spice. Reconnected it and the car fired up. Just thought I'd pass it along.
Glad it was a simple (no cost) fix. Now on other things.