[dmac]

I'd try spraying some starting fluid in the carb. If you don't get it to fire, maybe not run but at least fire, with starter fluid, then you have an ignition/spark problem. If you get some firing with starter fluid, but it won't 'catch' then the problem is in the fuel, timing,. but not likely in the coil or HEI, other than timing.

Then I would try running a wire straight from the battery to the dist.

You don't know where the problem is now. If if runs with the direct 12v hook-up but not with the original hookup, its the wiring. If it doesn't run or start or kick over with the direct connection, it's in the HEI, ignition, timing, or fuel. You need a plan to diagnose the actual problem, and not just try everything.