This is easily the most frustrating thing I've ever come across.

Recap: Car ('81 T/A /w 301ci) fails aircare by a small margin. Replace plugs. car starts. Replace cap and rotor. Car will NOT start, cranks, cranks cranks, no sputtering. Nothing.

Replaced the ignition coil, the fuel filter, uhhh... ended up getting new battery posts and now it cranks faster... whoopie!

There is spark going to the plugs, as checked with the mickey mouse screwdriver technique. Pouring gas directly into the carb will cause it to sputter, like it's going to start, but no. Now the plugs are fouled up. ick.

What else have I done... uhhh...
Timing is exactly how I left it, I didn't pull the whole shaft out or even unbolt it.

Tomorrow I will be buying a new cap/rotor to see if the old one was defective.

I dunno man, this is so simple yet so infuriating.

grrrr.