thanks Henry Rifle!

The distributor is not that close to the firewall, but ignoring the motor mounts was a major boo-boo! Jacked up the motor and kaboom! The driver side mount was let go and it allowed the motor to move just enough to touch the firewall.

Installed a new motor mount and set the timing back up and it pulls like a train and has had it problems resolved!

Thanks to all who offered advice!

Leon