I have about the same issues as RRR. 9.5 compression and too mild a cam,to run on 87 octane. It was ok with a recurved points distributor, but NG when converted to EI (not recurved). If I retarded the total timing to keep from pinging, my initial was so late it wouldn't idle. I haven't had time to rework the distributor, so I cheated. I set the total timing for no ping, and connected the vac pod to intake vacuum, which gives me enough initial advance for decent idle. Can you say "band aid"?
