Caught the part about the car firing while the key is released - verify power to the ignition while cranking and when key is released.

Had a B- Body that would only fire when key was released - found one of the wire terminals had backed out slightly in the connector body at the bulkhead connection

Dad was a journeyman electrician/ 30 yr CRC repairman. He found it in a few minutes. It's called "apparent power" - terminal is touching enough to show voltage on a meter but connection won't pass current.

Was pulling my hair out for days. I was 17 (24 years ago) but I won't forget the lesson - Thanks Dad.