I'll try to sum this up fast.

Tested:
12v to the distributor, around 9.5v when cranking.
battery grounded to my exhaust now was on the AC pump like stock.
cranks over with no issues.
bypass the key switch and ran a wire from battery to distributor.

Now here's the confusing part, when I HAVE gotten a spark.

Swapped out the 'defected' accel distributor (hei) put the new one in, set up the timing and so on. BAM spark, turn off the motor and no more spark... ever.

hooked jumper cables up to another running car. BAM spark, shut the motor off and no more.

got the battery checked and fulled charged for kicks, BAM spark. ONCE. now again nothing.

I some ppl suggest it is an electrical problem, well bit by bit I've been just going through it all and don't see anything out of the ordinary. I've taken all the fuses out to ensure nothing will try and draw any extra juice but no difference.
this is going on in a 89Camaro 355 fresh built, new carb, starter, distributor.
please if you can offer any help I would be greatful, I have had this motor in for 2mo now and can't drive it due to this stupid problem.

 

Ground to Exhaust? Isn't there a gasket? Wouldn't that potentially be a bad ground? My ground runs right to the block, held on by the alternator bolt. Might not be an issue, but threw up a flag in my head.