First things first, the set up. 69 camaro TH400 w/B&M holeshot 3000 stall. 8.5" 10 bolt w 3.73 posi. The motor is a 68' 375hp 396 out of a chevelle with edelbrock performer rpm intake, 850cfm edelbrock performer rpm q-jet (#1910), comp cams extreme energy cam (240*intake, 246*exhaust @.050") (.574in/.576ex lift). HEI dist. stock bottom end.
The Carb is still stock from edelbrock (74 prim jets 50m rod, ce secondary rods). Initial timing is 16*btdc bounces up to 18* while idling, it has to idle high with the auto and powersteering. Vacuum advance is hooked up to ported vacuum. I don't know total advance because I don't have a timing tape or an advance timing light.
The problem is the top end surging, it surges above 4k rpm and I have to ease into the throttle while in gear, or it will backfire through the carb, esp. when under load. (it's not as bad when man. shiftin and it's hardly there if you rev it in park)
Is this from the timing or the carb? or a lil bit o' both? I suspect it's mainly the total timing. The motor is fresh so I don't suspect it to be a vacuum leak. any suggestions as to what timing I should try or carb configurations? thanks in advance for sharing all your experience, I'm 22 and this is my first time really tuning a motor, so instead of goin trial and error, I thought I'd ask to be pointed in the right direction

Sounds very lean. Either no fuel pressure or the carb is too lean. Most BBs like a 78 main jet with a 48 or 50 rod. Give that a try it may cure most of your trouble.