Okay, I was able to finish the problem tonight... I got it running again! I emailed Pertronix, and they emailed me right back with the solution. Aparently the top of the magnet ring, and the top of the ignitor have to be flush, and as you can see from the pictures I posted, the ring was quite a ways below it. So, I got some oil plug washers and fit them into the ring, and raised it up. They said some people would have to cut down their distributor a little bit, but I didn't.

It started up on the first crank! Fantastic news for me... I was really about to throw in the towel here. Thanks for everyone's help... I learned a lot through this all.

 

sweet and great support !!!!!!
nice one !

 

I installed a pertronix distributor and removed all wires without marking #1 cyl. What is the best and easiest procedure to make my new wires relate to its cylinder?

 

yeah, calling the manufacturer is usually a good call if you're stumped.

i called them after frying two Ignitor ones with my Flamethrower 2 coil...the guy chuckled and said "well you can't use a flamethrower 2 with an original Ignitor, you need an Ignitor II."

usually they put pretty experienced dudes on the phones with these companies.

 

Pull #1 spark plug, put your thumb over the spark plug hole, and manually turn the engine until you feel air pushing your thumb away. Continue turning the engine until the TDC on your balancer lines up with the timing marker. You are now at TDC on the combustion stroke, so reinstall the spark plug. Loosen your distributor and turn it until you have the body about where you want it (you have clearance for final timing adjustments and nothing like the vacuum canister is hitting the carb, water neck, etc.) and locate #1 wire on the cap above where the rotor is pointing. Continue installing your wires CCW in the firing order and ensure they are spaced properly and not hanging where they can burn or get caught in the fan or cross fire. Now turn the cap just slightly CCW (advances the timing slightly) and tighten the distributor so it can't slip, but not totally tight, yet. Start the car and set the correct idle timing and firmly tighten the distributor.