yes it does have mechanical advance 10l and 15l. 15l being the operative one at the moment, vacuum advance backed out for now so there is no vacuum advance. it does work if i want it.My earlier problems i think are because i wasnt giving it enough advance to start it. Its set now at 14 initial. with 30 more added im looking at 44 total. i want to reduce amount of vacuum not control thre rate it advances.[ie. springs].Its making power, not pinging but i think theres more in it through dist.