I've tried the 25 start retard its to much out, causing the cyclinders to fire on top of each other it seems.

Too much retard will also cause issue's too. Have you tried to start the motor with a total of 20-25 degrees of timing in it? My little sbc loves 20 of total timing for starting. Just a thought.

Stupid question....is the cap/ rotor indexed correctly? I'm sure you have checked that just a thought. I guess phased would be a better word than indexed...

Should only need to do that with a crank trigger correct ? If not please explain.

starter
 

For one i would not use that cheap jegs starter on this engine. I have a injected bbc on alcohol i start no problem with a csr starter and 32-35* timing, Never kicked back. Also you might think about going to a better flex plate, one that is thicker.

Re: starter
 

Only reason I am saying the jegs I have awesome luck on my last 2 cars with that one. I have a Tilton Super Starter now, as for a flexplate. It has broken the JW Wheel already also .. hard to dump $150-200 for a flexplate to watch it break.

we've had bad luck out of jeg starters. i'd get a good sfi
flexplate,tilton starter,timing retard & go racing.good luck

TCI Fleplate, tilton super starter, and starter saver on the way .. I will know more on friday this week. thanks for the help guys

[quote="hammertime"]
Should only need to do that with a crank trigger correct ? If not please explain.[/quote
You need to phase the rotor either way. It's just easier with a crank trigger because you can just rotate the distributor to set phasing. If using the dist for the trigger, get a cap-adapt with an adjustable rotor, set the timing, then phase the rotor....

[quote="johnracer"] How do you suggest phasing it with a regular cap and no hole ? I've heard of people doing so but not sure ??