Okay. Had my Master Mechanic friend come help me today. As it turns out, the dumbass (can I say that?) that I bought the car from appears to have put in some sort of after market cam that messing everything up. To answer one of your questions, it has the tell-tale after market cam lope at idle, had to turn it up to about 650 RPM, since it runs rough.
I have already had to fix a cpl small things that he "fixed". For example when he allegedly "rebuilt" the carb he didn't tighten down the bowl and it was leaking, the brakes were tightened so unevenly that one wheel was almost frozen and one spun freely, bearings were so loose it shimmied!! Thought I needed new ones; nope, a full turn too loose.
The car runs OKAY around town about 30 deg advanced, and on the fwy about 30 deg retarded. (But no power on fwy that way.) Won't start at TDC. According to my friend, if he was gonna do what it appears he did, he should changed the manifold, carb, etc. (This part is over my head.) Maybe he sold the car 1/2 way into the job? I bought the car thinking that it needed a major tune-up, wires, dist, etc (which it did).
Heat riser valve is what I was talking about. Doesn't operate, now it's open.
The car is cool to look at. haha. The way it is now, I either finish and race it or drive it to the grocery store!
Some of what I said above I am parroting what he said. I DO know that it doesn't start at TDC, drives acceptable 35 MPH or less at 30 advanced but hesitated except when floored on the frwy.
Personally, I think maybe tear it apart and put a stock cam back in? Sent the guy an email asking him EXACTLY what he did.
Thanks SO much for all of your input.