Look at the pvc system. Disconnect and plug it at the intake manifold and see if it helps.
FYI the color of the plugs should be a dark brown-grey on the ceramic insulator an the tips should be clean.
This could all be ignition related and you could have a failing ignition system.
The engine vacuum definately should respond to increased advance. The difference would be something like 14-15 in-mg at 10-12 degrees and about 18 at 16.
An outside possibilaty is that the harmonic dampener has failed and slipped and you are reading the timing inaccurately.
A 40 year old dampener COULD fail on you without you knowing it.
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