[IKE]

I've experienced the same problems you describe. Went with an MSD timing control, worked OK. Optima battery OK. Gear reduction starter OK as well. But the best cheap solution was to install a toggle switch to the ingition wire to the distributor, with this you eliminate the plug firing and stalling the piston during startup due to ignition advance. You simply wait until the starter is turning the engine over at a good rpm, flip the switch and it starts.