Timing/Power/MPG

Where did you get the timing chain tensioner? I have never seen one of those before.
As 360scamp said, you should be able to kick one up on ebay. I got mine here: http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/timchainten.html
Either way, same result.

Also, I may be mistaken (my memory is crap and grabbing the book would involve leaving the recliner) but it seems that the crankshaft should be turned 360° (which turns the camshaft 180°) from what's represented in the picture above before dropping the distributor in on the #1 firing position. The dots on the sprockets are aligned at 6 & 12 to make it easier to see that the cam and crank will play nice together.