I have a dead cylinder (#3), and #2 seems to cut in and out. I have a detailed account in the technical Q & A but basicly I have spark (most of the ignition is new), 160 psi compression, great leak down, fuel (plug is black), valve springs are unbroken, cam lift is equal to other cylinders when measured @ pushrod w/no rocker arm, exhaust port and manifold (stock) show no discoloration to indicate reversion. The miss seemed to start after I lost the sea water pump on that motor, but the water temp gauge never went above 210, so it may be unrelated.
Oh yeah, its a 97 454 mag carbeurated all stock, 200 hrs.
I am open to any and all suggestions!!

Did you replace the plug wires?

Yup, new plugs, wires, caps, rotors, f. filters, swapped coils and hall effect switches from the other motor. No effect.
All the details are in the technical Q&A.
Thanks Biggus!

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm at a loss.

did you verify that you have good connections on both the plug and dist.? Also did you check to make sure you have no play in the dist. I've heard that when the bearings go they will cause some problems.

Sounds like a good reason to go out and get that 672 you've been dreaming about.

Can you swap distributors between engines?

Do these engines have an ignition box?

That may be going bad.

Crazy horse, you have the answer!!!!
Tonight I'm going to swap #1 and #3 valve springs to see if the skip follows.

Have you done a vacuum test at the intake manifold?

BT

Good luck Chris!!