sounds like it's a lean backfire

Did you have the vacuum line plugged? I take it you took it loose from the distributor end.

by pulling/capping the can I wanted to elim Rotor Phasing as the culprit as RP has a special place in my heart (Please dont ask!). Nothing further is hitting me at the moment but the guys here will uncover it, just keep after it/be patient (pray for sunshine)

Yeah, it sounds like you learned a hard lesson the hard way.
So now I'm guessing lean fuel condition at high RPM I'm thinking fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel line before I look at jetting
Does that sound right or am I way off base?

Thanks see my question to All below

Yes, I was careful to plug it

if you're confident you have the timing the way you want it, now you can start trying to tune the carb.

first thing to look for is that you're getting a good pump shot as soon as there is any throttle movement. you can see this just by moving the throttle and looking for the shot, car doesn't even need to be running...

then you probably should set your idle speed, and then idle mix. then you can start making a single change at a time, after every change reset your idle speed and idle mix, then go test.

Hey Robert,
Ever since I but in the FBO plate I have been wondering why the plate does not bind on the counter-weight tabs and the top shaft. It seemed like a tight fit and I didn't add any grease or lubrication between the top shaft and the FBO plate.
It took a little effort to move it by hand, but I was too focused on getting it back together and in the car.
Was I supposed to lube the plate/top shaft contact area?
thanks
Vic

it would not hurt to just barely moisten the 1/4" nubs. yes the plate shifts a bit eccentric when the weights swing out. If you twist the rotor & let loose & it snaps back you are set on that Q. Now you will be going back inside to finalize the spring combo several times at least to get it dead on