I was searching for a fuel or ignition problem and found that if I disconnect the 3-step and plug a chip directly in the ignition box everything seems to straighten out. Anyone else had this happen?

I've had problems with loose connections on my MSD 3 step I'm still trouble shooting it, so maybe it is several things, not just one My message is , yes there are problems with every part made out there, under the correct conditions

Mine got water in it a couple times and would activate the burnout limiter. Worked normally once it dried out.

But yes, a 3 step can cause issues.