another timing question

[merlin3]

i purchased a 509 merlin 3 that was running,installed new intake,carb,plug wires,plugs,new HEI distributer,got it to top dead center,lined up the rotor to #1 and 0 timing mark on balancer,it would not run so i pulled distributor and turned it clock wise one tooth and it started right up now at idle the timing is at 18 degrees and if i turn distributer counter clockwise to get it to 8 degrees it will stop running i can't get it to the proper timing spec.the truck runs great,no hesitation,plenty of power and does not overheat.also wile checking the timing when i rev the motor the timing light goes out.thanks for the help.