try using some cooler plugs like BP6ES or even BP7ES, sounds odd but every now and then my current A15 wont rev past 4000rpm, change the plugs and it's as good as new? never been able to figure out why this happens, but the cooler plugs definately last longer than the BP5ES plugs
Also check the voltage at the coil, and when you said you "removed the ballast resisitor" did you replace it with a piece of cable to join both ends of the resistor wires together or did you just leave both wires off and un-connected to anything?
I definately think it is spark related but perhaps to rule out fuel problems try giving the carbs a dose of carby clean through the fuel inlet hoses of both carbs and try starting it, it will run like crap with carby clean in the fuel but could help free up sticky pumps, floats etc.

nam mate not that unresponsive just a bit lagging for the first second or two, these carbs also come off the 3.0V6 capri by the way, if you select smaller idle jets, main jets, emulsions and some larger air correctors you will have no problems.
I found it easier to tune by driving about 100km to a different town checking the exhaust tip for carbon build up, if there was excess I would clean the tip, then adjust the idle mixture screws in a bit or remove the idle jets and go down a step or two until I was happy after numerous long distance cruises, that makes the main jet tuning a lot easier since theres only main jets to worry about. And when you think you are close to perfect, take it down to a dyno tuners shop and have it run and the exhaust gas analysed

I paid $1150 for my ported head with new linished valves, seats, stem seals, competition springs, retainers.
And the bloke threw in a pair of mikuni side draughts and an intake manifold for free, which I got $400 for alone. So guessing a second hand worked head would sell for $600-$750?

Yep I have one on my A15 street motor, works great just a bit compromised on low speed smoothness, but mid range and top end performance is fantastic

I love my A series revs all day, kills old alfa romeo's and hyundais no problem and it's an auto!
BUT......I would be looking more into a later turbo injected package, you know? SR20DET, 13B Rotary, CA18DET, or even a FJ20DET heavy weight.
Or play with turbo and injection on your A series
Just my 2c worth you will have lots of fun what ever you do, two thirds of the fun is in the build up

marginal increase for street but if you want to have your old cam reground check out www.swmotorsports.com.au, he can do a 54/86 cam grind for $120 roughly, heaps more power all the way to 8000-9000rpm, with properly built bottom end and valve train

nah I think the old bloke who owned it lived in Bunbury hence the BY number plates, cool car I think it has toyota camry injection and some other trick adaptions can't remember fully what it had but I can ask the guy at work (still can't remember his name)

Just fitted a brand new starter motor, electric fuel pump and a horn that sounds like AHOOOOOGAHH!

jeezus you two are a pair of clowns bwahahaha

cool pizza delivery car I reckon

sweet I think I used to see this around Bunbury? if so you must be the brother of the bloke at my work who's name i can't bloody remeber right now, rides a black and copper GSX-R 1000
Free bump this thing is cool!