Sorry speedy,
I can't give you any info on the Pope timing, I thought the module was designed to do that. One thing I have never tested is if a PT module will work on an old Briggs with points ignition .I assume it would work (don't have a motor here I could test it on at the moment, I have always just put a later Briggs coil on) Would like to know just the same and I don't think the timing is your issue, I'm thinking more like rings. I have an early sidethrow here that won't fire, bore looks ok with just one slight scoreline. It still has the old G3 carb on it but I can't get a hint of a fire with starter fluid. When I get a chance I will give it a hone and a set of rings and hopefully that will fire it up. Not sure if rings for your Pope are available
