I need engine tuning help.

When you dont have the cash for the user friendly stuff, you need to be smart instead. Soo... first, buy a timing tape, and install it after carefully cleaning and degreasing the balancer. Then you can look at the whole timing curve. My guess is, the distribuotr you have is not a performance model, and as such, it kills response, power, and economy. You should have no trouble breaking 15-18mpg in mixed driving once it's curved properly. Possibly more. But, you have to know where you're starting from and what you need to have.