[ChevLoRay]

I don't know, Mandarin, about the crossed wires. He says it runs well as long as you're givin' it the gas. I have also seen crossed wires, but it seems like there was always something "not quite right". It would pop and sputter, and it did backfire out both ends, so maybe I'm forgetting something. Heck it's only been since '76, that I had that problem, so I coulda forgot something.

If it isn't the timing chain, or crossed wires, and the distributor checks out, I'd have a hard time believing that the carb could be the only problem. Usually, if it's the carburetor, nah, it ain't the carb. Here I go, thinkin' and typin' at the same time.

I'd have to second the emotions of the others, for diagnosis, especially checking the timing chain for wear. But, I'd sure check the firing order on the plug wires, first. Then, if that didn't fix it, check the chain for wear.

I recall setting the dwell angle at 30 degrees, whenever I installed a set of points, but the book called for 28-32. As the rubbing block wears, the points close up, widening the angle, right? So, setting them at 32 degrees, may be a little bit wide...maybe .018? Isn't .016 the recommended setting? Don't matter. If you you adjust them until the dwell angle is right, the gap will be just right, too. I don't think that the dwell is the problem, but you can play with it when you have time. Check all of the vacuum hoses. Make sure none are split at their ends.