Reply to "Need some diagnostic expertise please: Engine/ignition?"

Hello Mark,
Had the same problem in the past, had my initial advance @ 8*, was running a little warm & no real get up and go.
I verified Top Dead Center & the Marker was a little off. This is done by bringing #1 piston to the top with the spark plug out " clockwise & either making a tool to stop the piston or using an indicator.
You then mark the dampner & then go counter clockwise and mark the dampner at the very same reading on the indicator or against the stop. the engine should not rotate all the way threw with the stop and this is ok! Now you should have 2 lines from the procedure and in the exact middle is true TDC. if your pointer does not line up to this line you should adjust the pointer or a least adjust for your timing and record it.
I set My Pantera to the Plate in the Engine Compartment Spec's which are 16* BTDC and at 900 rpm Idle. This is with the Vacumme hose disconnected @ the distributer and plugged.
You'll need an RPM meter and an Timing strobe light, Rpm on dash is usually off, you will more than likely have to go back and forth a few times. Once you get this set then its time to adjust the carb idle mixture.
watching the rpm gauge & screw in the small needle screw real slow on the side of the Carb, some have 2 and some have 4. when you see the idle starting to drop, back out slow and when the idle stops climbing, back out 1/4 turn more and do the next, continue till all are complete.
Now recheck all your setting one more time And redo the idle screws again. rehook up vacume & give her a test drive
You'll find that the Cleveland responds well and crisp after.

Mark