Dennyw,
No I don't have a vaccum gauge, but plan on getting one tomorrow. A buddy told me the same thing. Stock timing mark is 4 BTDC and this engine seems to run better when advanced completed off the timing tab. The previous owner didn't do the work on the engine and didn't know anything about it. He just drove it. I can at least work my way around a engine, but I have never had anything but stock engines. The engine seems to be pretty healthy and the cam has a good lope to it. That's about all I can tell you. Runs great when you get past the stalling.