Does it run pretty good at two grand and higher? Since you SEEM to know how to time the thing and MOST LIKELY have the plug wires on the proper plugs AND you have a new dist... I've got a guess.
You indicated the cam gear and dist gear were worn visably.
I'm betting the lobes are also worn and your problem is the valve openings..
Have you put a vac meter on there and checked vacuume? With the meter installed change the timing to the highest vac and see what the timing is..
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

professional bovine relocation specialist