A dwell meter is only measuring the voltage across the points compared with time. Pretty certain the points are adjustable with the engine running on the V8 3.5 via the external bolt sticking through the distributor housing. 15 though on the points is a good start as others have suggested.
Those luminition things do need a matching coil as mentioned. They also seem to drop dead if you leave them powered up without the engine running as well.
I went through a few of them before switching to megasquirt.
As said, the engine should run well enough to drive around without having to set dwell up properly. They will even run with the timing miles out so I would get it running then it will be easy enough to get it somewhere to have it set up properly.
I was always told to do all the final setting up when the engine was at operating temperature anyway so get it running first!
Those luminition things do need a matching coil as mentioned. They also seem to drop dead if you leave them powered up without the engine running as well.
I went through a few of them before switching to megasquirt.
I had two of the Lumenition Performance Ignition modules fail before I changed over to the later Rover fitment 35DLM 8 distributor. this and the earlier 35DM8 distributor both use GM HEI electronics which have good reliability and won't just die because there's a bit of electrical noise or whatever which seems one of the many things that kills the Lumenition kit.
Not sure of your points set up but people can get the insulators installed incorrectly thus nothing will work. Once installed properly, set points gap, then check static timing and it should start and run OK