I just want to get this straight for my own understanding.
There is fuel coming out of the jets in the carb, but you poured fuel down the carb? If it was getting fuel, you shouldnt have to dump gas in there. Anywho... Check for spark at the plug. If no spark and you have HEI, my guess would be the ignition module in the distributor. The coil really shouldn't go bad, but it never hurts to check if there is power going to it and coming out of it.
Now, if it sounds like its trying to kick over and backfires a few times, the timing is off. I dont know the background on your motor, but it really shouldnt jump time from sitting around.
Pretty much, if your carb is working you're getting fuel and air. the only thing you need for combustion is spark. If you have spark and it still doesnt start, then the timing is off. Or maybe your starter isnt spinning fast enough. that could also be an electrical problem like low cranking amps in the battery or dirty/corroded cables going to the starter. even a bad ground would cause that.
I hope this gives you a few ideas of what it might be. good luck getter her started, I'd hate for you to miss the show
