318 running like crap

Absolutely for sure get a timing gun. Tuning by ear can lead to all sorts of problems. Since we don't know what you have, IMHO, re-timing from scratch is a good idea. Before you do that:

Make sure your plug wires are all well seated. What plugs did you put in and at what plug gap?

Is this the original points type distributor and ignition system? If so, check the points gap at maximum opening; the gap should measure around .017-018". If this has closed up, it will misfire like you describe. Also, a bad ignition condenser inside the distributor will do the same. (For a points system, that is.)

What ballast resistor do you have feeding the ignition coil? Do you have a volt/ohmeter?