Here's what my mechanic told me last evening after work. The replacement spark plug wires(brand new)were of such poor quality that the spark was jumping between them. They were a Napa replacement for a 302 because I needed 90 degree wire ends because of my header pipes come too close to the plug wire and melted it. Even with a heat sleave over it. I'm going to pick it up tonight, see how it runs and order a quality set of wires. Any suggestions for wires with 90 degree wire ends?

 

As soon as you said ticking when missing, that's a classic sign of plug wire failure and spark jumping. Check out MSD wires. They have a variety of end styles and shapes. They have a great website [msdignition.com] for checking out their offerings, pick out your part numbers and plug them into the search feature at summitracing.com for what would probably be your best price.

 

What kind of headers are you using?

 

Just my $.02.... If you have "puffing" in the carb you might have a broken intake valve spring that doesn't show up when there isn't a load on the engine.