Well, I double-checked the timing belt alignment, adjusted the valves, set the distributor alignment (aligned the 2 marks on the body and bracket, and then aligned the rotor to the same marks as best I could - this is per Jerry Lemond's advice). The crank pulley was ok, either I imagined it had spun or it spun itself back. Probably my fault.

At any rate, the idle is back to its old 1100 RPM and I can't get the timing any closer than about 14* BTDC (this is with the distributor cranked all the way clockwise). Is it because the idle is too high? Or is there another possible issue? I am not inclined to spend too much more time on this POS, but if anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate the help.

Thanks...