Classic/Antique Car Repair: Q2: 69 AMC Rebel 232 running horrid, vacuum advance, timming

Question
I checked TDC through the sparkplug socket and noted the position of the cap and rotor. I worked in the new distributor to lineup exactly with the old position. I have a good 80 degrees of adjustment on the distributor position as well. but I am 100% positive that I have it in the right spot.
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
1969 AMC Rebel with a 232 single barrel inline 6 cyl. The engine is quite schitzoprenic. seems to run well then decides to miss and backfire. replaced carb due to some issues with the old one. Replaced the distributor since the old vacuum advance was hosed. It does not appear to be burning oil and cooling seems to be great. She just runs horribly. There is no lifter noise or other abnormal noise. The only thing that I have not replaced is the coil. Could that really cause such a horrible run?
-----Answer-----
Ken;
OK first off how did you put the new dist. in. did you line up the no 1 piston and put the dist in on the no# 1 plug wire and no#1 on the rotor - if you are off by  just 1 tooth you will never get it right, or the trimming could be off, and did you adj the new carb....

Answer
ok; when it is on tdc the rotor  should be on the no#1 plug wire spot.
have you played with the timming. and have you looked at the valves to see if any are real loose or a bent push rod.  and you can pull the plugs to see if there is a bad one than you will know what cyld. it is.