Why is the rubber still on my tires?

Jacob,
You can't guess on something like ignition timing. You need to know it exactly. It can make a huge difference to the way your car runs. You need a dial back timing light to read your total advance. There is another way with a regular timing light. Looking at your balancer, from the front of the motor, make a second mark EXACTLY 1 3/4" clockwise from the timing mark on your balancer. This corresponds to 30* of timing. With the vacuum advance disconnected and plugged, rev the motor slowly. You will notice your second mark move up as you rev the motor. At some point the mark will move no higher. This is the RPM where all of your advance is in. At that point the mark should be opposite the timing tab. If the mark stops at 0, you have 30* total, at 2*, you have 32* total. Most Buick V8's run best with the total advance between 30-34* The stock weights and springs only allow total advance at much higher RPM's, as high as 4600 RPM. You want your advance in at 2500 RPM or below. There is alot of performance and power to be gained. The stock setup uses alot more vacuum advance degrees, because the stock mechanical advance is only half in at cruising speeds. For performance, you want it all in at cruising speeds, so you have to shorten the vacuum degrees when running a modified advance curve. This is really important, you are leaving alot of power and economy on the table by running the timing the way you are now. Get your advance curve right, and you'll be like most of us, you'll have severe traction problems:laugh:

 

Jacob,
I assume you understand what I posted in my last post. Make the second mark on your balancer. Disconnect the vacuum advance and plug it. Then find out what RPM your advance is all in. When you know that, loosen the distributor hold down. Then rev the motor until all the advance is in. With the engine held at that speed, turn the distributor until the second mark lines up with the 2 on the timing tab. That will give you 32* total. Recheck your initial, it will be higher, it may be too high(you'll have starting problems) If so, you'll need to recurve the distributor. I would suggest you purchase the Crane adjustable vacuum advance cannister.(Jegs part# 270-99601-1 Points dist, 22.99) It comes with 3 sets of springs that are ideal. The springs will get your advance in early. This is important, the springs in your distributor now may not allow all your advance in early enough. In fact, you may have the right amount of total advance now, but you aren't seeing it because you aren't reving the motor high enough to see it with the light. Once you install the Crane springs(two silver), you will be able to adjust the total without revving the motor to high levels. Hope that helps.