there's too many posts to individually quote and respond to since my last post, but wow thanks to the bunch of you with suggestions. Gave me a lot of other options to consider. $400 was really going to be the top of my budget, and those Zondas are real nice and what's $15 more, right? But then tack on shipping and stuff I'm not sure it might be too much.
The set of WH-7700 Dura-Ace wheels that came off the exact same frame I found for a buddy of mine, weighed in at 1,900 grams.
The Mavic Open Pros that came off THIS bike (in a burnt orange color!) are from 2000/2001 era, have a 15mm width (reads 622x15 on the sticker) and weigh 1850g.
(I'm upgrading to modern 105, so I don't believe an 11spd cassette would fit on that hub - plus I want new wheels anyway)
To answer a few random Q's I saw above:
-No, they don't have to be "handmade", I was just looking for something a little nicer than typical bike shop cheap fare
-no carbon
-i prefer lower profile wheels - i don't care for the deeper dish racing wheels
-i'm not a weight weenie and this bike won't be raced, it's for long days in the saddle, but also quick spirited group rides.
-the frame fork and chainstays could easily take 700x28 tires, but the bolt bubble on the rear brake bridge is low and rubs on any tires with a higher volume than 25/26mm. I even tried a 700x28 on a slightly wider rim, but it didn't work - but that was with my buddy's Dura Ace wheels I mentioned above. I wouldn't mind trying again with some 17mm wide rims with the 28s I have hanging in my garage though. But I'm pretty much resigned to having to get a set of 25s or 26s. Is it still true that Pasaleas run a little larger? Because that's what I have so maybe a 700x28 in a Kenda or a another brand would fit?