little update on the ignition box gremlin issue...
make a very long story short..
The ignition module ground (black wire in harness) grounds through the distributor.
The distributor is in fact grounded via the distributor hold down clamp...
I created a secondary ground from the vacuum advance screw to the engine block.
4 tanks of fuel later and no issue...
note to self: don't powder coat distributor hold down clamps...