so i was able to get another look at it today, the timing was slightly off. after i compensated for that, the motor ran much better, it still spits but only occasionally. unfortunately it still wont idle...

the anti-desiling solenoid has been attached and operational this whole time.

im leaning toward a vacuum leak? when i turn the motor by hand, i can hear a sucking sound coming from the back of the cylinder head/mani. i cant remember ever hearing this noise coming out of my old motor.