Haven't checked valve timing, although I would assume I'd get slightly different idle charactoristics. Start-up, idle, light throttle, very light load, all is normal. Only misses or bucks under a bit heavier load. If I stay into the throttle it'll go good, then buck hesitate, go good...etc. I will check though given I'm running out of options.

Fuel filter was put in today

As for the fuel pump relay, I've seen threads talking about it causing these symptoms but for the life of me can't figure out why. I would think the relay engerizes to start and idle the car, how would the relay only fail under load? Am I missing something? thanks for the repsponse.