More tips from my own frustrations:
1. Use an old-school points distributor so you can see WTF its doing with a known good coil. That way you can set the timing exactly without cranking it a lot.
2. Check the compression if youre not sure, or do a leakdown test (you can do that without cranking it any more)
3. Is it a new cam? Im so paranoid with the poor metallurgy and oils now that I want a known good EVERYTHING, engine, cam, carb, ignition so the only thing on my mind is the new cam and its mushy sensitive metal. If youre cranking and cranking on a brand new cam, not sure how that will affect the breakin. That red stuff is pretty sticky but not sure how much cranking will wipe it clean.
