ok lets go back to the basics..what dist you using? what your describing is that your dist is out 180* or if using the merc dist its not compatible with nothing but the Daytona sensors or crane box..

Yep. Sounds to me like the distributor was installed 180 off, or extremely retarded.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]510870[/ATTACH]

This a diagram, showing phase correction of rotor.( This may not even apply to this problem)


As far back as I can remember, if you are 180 out. I do not even think the engine will run, just continue to pop through the intake and exhaust. If the rotor phasing is not correct in reference to using a crane or daytona box you will misfire.

I wonder if maybe the engine has a mechanical problem,did you do a compression check?

I am wondering the same thing.

OK---as far as the dist off 180 deg--unless it broke at the bottom--the engine ran perfect for the 1st twelve hours---like a top--no misfire-no skips-real smooth...she ran perfect flushing out the motor at home-to-a day or 2 later , backfiring out the exhaust!!!!????? Knowing everything installed on the motor-and the whole motor is brand spanking new, I can't believe it is mechanical problem, rather than a fire/ignition problem....HOWEVER, i'm not that smart....The engine tech told me not to touch it, until he gets a chance sometime next week-end...Thanks so much for all the input, as I guess right now it could be any of the reasons you guys brought up !!!! Thanks-Mike
PS-the dist being used came as a whole ignition kit----box-wires-magnetic pick up-coil--again all brand new-nothing was used over from the last engine--Thanks!!!

OK--finally today , checked timing ---dist was retarded alot--pulled dist-found a broken snap ring inside attached to the magnetic pick-up------when turning it by hand the ring would sometimes move and lock the gear-----lower gear on the cam was fine--keyway was fine--there are no snap rings in a dist----so it was believed it was picked up at the factory , by accident, when they were building the dist ,--re-installed dist--re-timed same---AGAIN-Thank goodness--Runs like a top---Thanks for all the idea's and input......Mike-Tampa Bay !!!!