checked out the points this weekend. they were a little tight using my .016" feeler but I re-adjusted and then checked each plug for spark. they all had it. got shocked on one. felt strong to me. Tried to start the engine, same response: runs on two cylinders. so now on to the holley 1904 (R913a)
I ran outta time to do anything else so I have to wait for this Sunday to move on to the carburetor. I also checked the fuel pump by cranking the engine with the fuel line off. pump a ton of fuel out, that seems fine. will keep y'all updated as I figure this out.