69gmachine
Member
I've read thru this a few times now, and am still convinced it is a coil binding issue.
I think we're all just guessing here. We probably don't have enough information to nail it, but I'm not seeing how coil bind results in the symptoms described. Are you basing this on your past experience? Can you provide more details of what symptoms you saw?
That being said, you need to isolate the two components, "carb" and "engine".
A vacuum leak could cause the backfire as could a timing problem. The cam could be installed too retarded or advanced, the spark plug sequence could be close but not right. I think the odds of it being the carb are low, but anything is possible. Did he find it in a junk yard? Swap meet?
Also, you should have one of these:
Proform 66787 - Proform Universal Degree Wheel Kits - summitracing.com
This will show you all of your camshaft timing events, as they happen. There is also a video available to buy, and probably something on you tube as well.
Agree 100% here. Start from scratch and get #1 to TDC. Time the cam to the crank using the degree wheel. Don't cheap out and try to reuse the timing set. If the new one has that much slack in it something is wrong, like the block has been align bored. Start over with a new block or get a shorter than stock chain. Do you have someone nearby that has a carb set up? It may be easier to take your carb to a friend's house than to buy a used (and suspect) one on ebay or craig's list.
Keep us posted and good luck!