Well, I was able to mess around with it again tonight.

I checked the rotor phasing, and it was very good. The rotor lines up dead on with the cap terminal with the reluctor and pickup lined up.

I replaced the pickup with another one I had and it didn't solve the problem.

I found another coil and plan on swapping that out tomorrow. Not sure it'll solve anything though.

I also still need to check for a light show under load. Just need to wait til I have a helper.

I'm starting to wonder if it's something in the valve train. The popping just seems really loud to me. Not sure it'd be so inconsistent though...

I also still need to check the plug wires.

Any other ideas??? I'm pretty frustrated. It's almost cruising season.