my two sense
With today’s fuel in California one needs to drive or run the engine weekly. Run premium fuel, use a good fuel additive/fuel stabilizer.
Kadrons don’t like more than 1.5# of fuel pressure.
popping, back firing, surging and stalling are both fuel and ignition related. Corrosion in the cap and rotor are common along with fouled plugs.
swapping distributors with a quality unit is a plus, but to swap one of lesser quality doesn’t cut it. Find the source of the problem first, then move towards better replacements as needed.
O, don’t forget the tools of trade.....a match book is something some people never came in contact with, but is an old school way gapping points in a pinch! But correct timing requires a timing light......
and to all a good night.........