Sounds like your having a blast!:TU: I bet the bushing on the distributor mech advance pin is missing. Get a good advance curve kit (with bushing), add the lighter springs, and try total advance between 30-32 degrees. Nailheads LOVE a quick advance curve. True compression is lower than the advertised 10.25:1. 9.8:1 is more typical. If the rebuilder put the thicker composition head gaskets on it, compression can drop to the low 9's. The Edelbrock carbs have the larger 5-1/8" tops. You can use the stock air cleaner if you put a air cleaner spacer ring on top of the carb. Avail from Summit/Jegs. :TU:
Take a look at Rhett's post. LOTS of great tuning tips!:TU: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=229970
Congrats on your new purchase! The thing I love about mine is it really seemed to respond to the basics, most of which can be found on Doc's list. By the end of the season, I'll likely have mine running consistant 14.6 - 14.7s on the track, I started at 15.6. BTW, I did jet up my secondaries a size, and am now playing with rod sizes in the summer heat - so far .052/.065 seems to work best in these temps on my Carter 3921. And BTW, has anybody been down to look at that Turquoise car in NY? An A/C car is looking pretty good to me today..! Good luck and have fun!