Reply to "spark timing"

Can I just suggest backing off the timing by around five degrees and then take it for a drive and see how it goes? If it doesn't work just move it back. You won't need to do it with a timing light. Just mark where the dizzy is on the dizzy and the intake and just turn it counter clockwize (I think from memory) about 2cm and re-tighten the bolt. It may just be too much advance and this is an easy way to check.

You can do this while the engine is running and you will hear the engine idle slightly slower so you know you are backing off the timing(idles up when advancing). Just make sure to use a rag when you grab the distributor cap because if your ignition is leaking it will give you a nasty boot.