Double-check your gaps, changing the timing can sometimes throw off the gap, because the slots in the plates are not a perfect fit for the screws that pass through them, and sometimes the backing plate is not a perfect for for the bosses in the case that it rides in, so sometimes you get some wiggle.
Also verify that none of the terminal ends on the wires are contacting the base plate, etc and shorting. Did you take the points off of just clean them in place? Make sure all the insulating washers are in the right places on the points; screw posts.
The popping coming down from WOT seems like it may be more of a carb thing. What adjustments did you need to make while syncing?
mystic_1