authentic 302 with solid lifters. I checked my cam timing and it somehow was installed very advanced so im going to ensure it is installed properly and then hope she starts this time

 

Ooooops!!! Not trying to insult your intelligence, but you are aware the solid lifters get adjusted differently (feeler gauge) right?

 

I am aware i always adjust them according to the spec given to me by my machinist on my cam card

 

I figured you would know, but that question was in the "just gotta ask" column.

 

Your headers and getting hot, no back fire (after fire). Your spark is firing while the exhaust valve is open. Since there is no compression there is no back fire. Because it fires there is no fuel on plug. Everything fits. Lucky its an old car. Your cat would be done for if you had one.

On your slow cranking you may want pull the plugs and crank it to see how fast it spins. This will give you an idea how much of the slow cranking is caused by compression and how much is caused by tightness of the motor assembly. Second you want to do a draw test to see how much current the starter is drawing (compare that to manufactures spec) then test the cables for a volts drop at a connector.

You really don’t want to pull the motor because you and a resistance build up in a battery cable connector or because the winding in the start got too hot.