Quote Originally Posted by Devon32 View Post
I just put a timing light on at idle and it’s at nearly 50 degrees. If I attempt to adjust the distributor to lower it, engine sounds awful.
Disconnect your vacuum advance when checking/adjusting timing.

If it still shows high timing with vacuum advance disconnected, verify your timing marks are correct by finding true TDC.

Norfolk, Virginia is 7' elevation, so you should have more vacuum at idle (unless it's a huge cam). Check compression, and check and verify your valves are adjusted correctly.

Verify you do not have a vacuum leak from the underside of the intake manifold by plugging both valve cover breathers (remove PCV and plug) and attaching vacuum gauge to the oil dip stick tube, should be very little to no vacuum (slight bouncing only).

What is your fuel pressure? Have you adjusted the carb?