I think you are confusing the electrical timing of the distributor with the cam timing. In order to get an engine to run properly the cam must be synchronized with the crankshaft. Then the distributor must be synchronized with the camshaft. Even if you did pull the distributor and move it a tooth or two one way or another it would not fix the problem if the cam and crank were not in their proper places with respect to one another.
I admit that this is a long shot, but if somebody has torn down the engine, and all other attempts have failed, then it might be time to pull the front cover(s) off and check the synchronization marks.
Tom
'70 Ambassador '82 V50-III Shelby Township, Michigan