So I took out a new set of teeth today...
I hope that the 4th time is the charm...I'm ordering a new MP starter (instead of the 440 Source one) and I'm going to go ahead and buy a new converter (I'll probably fix and sell the old one once it's out).
When I fired up my car earlier today, it back-fired a few times, but only at low RPM. At higher RPMs it seemed fine. Once it was running hot I advanced the timing and I think that the low RPM back-fire went away (the car is VERY loud, so it's kind of hard to tell). This makes me think that my problem ISN'T with the cam timing, but I might replace the cam with a three-bolt soon anyway.
I'm thinking that the starter I have just isn't kicking out the bendix far enough, and the high compression is killing the teeth.
I hope the new starter solves the problem.
More $$$ and time...
Any comments / suggestions?

"When I'm in a slump, I comfort myself by saying if I believe in dinosaurs, then somewhere, they must be believing in me. And if they believe in me, then I can believe in me." - Mookie Wilson