starter is mopar perf..locked. didnt know about the switch having to be off to reset the start retard...makes alot of sense now. cant really run with dist unlocked need full advance at idle to pull vac for my class. had tried spinning the motor and then throwing the ign switch with some stock type starters but was breaking the drive gears. didnt have the balls to try it with the $250 starter. talked to powermaster today and got some good insight also (mostly that it wasnt going to start well with that much timing/comp). think i have some new things to try thanx to all.