Help needed with 318 (timing, ruff starts)

The thing is "it ain't simple" although "it" is comprised of lots of simple pitfalls

1....What is your feel for the general engine mileage and condition? "In other words" does it use oil, and run a compression / leak down test

2...Fuel boil/ vapor lock is a constant source of irritation now that we have this "new improved" fuel.

3...You can NOT effectively set timing by ear. PERIOD. Yes I can get it to run, and sometimes pretty well. But I stand by this.

4...Along the way there are usual "other" troubles, fuel/ carb/ or poor components in your igntion system, such as ratty wires, bad coil wire, worn plugs/ and worn/ dirty/ wet cap and rotor.

5...Sometimes old coils can limp along damaged and "run ok" but not be up to full output. At some point there is a "tipping point." Either the coil gets worse, or the weather gets wetter and colder, and the "lines cross."