Is the cam timing the problem, or something else?

Just pull the heavy spring, 18 initial and 36-38 total. Bet It wont ping anyways. But I hear ya. It's too weak in umph, advance the cam or change to a smaller one.

I agree.....but he can get the distributor DANG CLOSE now and see what just changing that can do. It sure won't hurt anything. And I don't think even advancing the cam timing can get him into spark knock territory, do you? Even so....it will add a good bit for sho and fo certain.