I think it is. The problem was weird. The ring coil alignment tool was not fitting properly over the machined mageneto plate bosses. I didnt realize the ring was cocked, and thus giving me improper coil alignment. I filed down the boss faces, and got the ring to fit properly, which in turn gave me proper alignment. So now, the flywheel and mag plate are rotating separately. So, youre right, I was getting unintended timing changes when attempting start.
Once I get the vacuum cut out switch wire routing figured out, (the wire was hindering mag plate rotation) I will attempt start again and report back.