Ok so now we kinda know your cam timing is close. Have you tried locking out the distributor at some arbitrary number like 32 (because it will start, run, drive and be perfectly happy there for a test) to eliminate any kind of advance problem?
Later today I expect to have time to work on it again. Locking out the distributor seems to be a popular suggestion and I agree, it will remove another variable of the curve coming into effect. I have never locked a distributor before but when I disassembled it to set the mechanical advance, I see there are two set screws on the outer housing that seem to be used for locking the position. Since the current mechanical advance is set at 24, do I need to change that internally to 32, then lock it? Or can the lock screws be turned in and adjust the dist to 32 with a timing light.
